Retractable stock guide and method for metal forming dies

ABSTRACT

A retractable stock guide has a stationary guide rail on which a retractable guide cap is operably supported. The guide rail and cap have two through holes at opposite ends through which two mounting studs extend to attach the stock guide to an associated die member. The holes in the guide cap are ovate, and the heads of the mounting studs are tapered, whereby tightening of the mounting stud shifts the guide cap relative to the guide rail from an aligned, retracted load/unload condition, to an inwardly protruding, extended run condition, wherein the stock strip is slidingly captured between two like stock guides and the mounting surface of the die. Two ball bearing guides can be substituted for the stationary guide rail.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY

The present application is related to commonly assigned, copending U.S.application Ser. No. 13/713,268, filed Dec. 13, 2012, entitledRETRACTABLE STOCK GUIDE AND METHOD FOR METAL FORMING DIES AND THE LIKE,which is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/587,191,filed Jan. 17, 2012, entitled RETRACTABLE STOCK GUIDE AND METHOD FORMETAL FORMING DIES AND THE LIKE, both of which are incorporated hereinby reference, and claims priority thereto under 35 U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to metal forming dies and the like, and inparticular to retractable stock guides and associated methods therefor.

Metal forming dies, such as stamping dies and the like, are well knownin the art. Progressive metal forming dies are unique, verysophisticated mechanisms which have multiple stations or progressionsthat are aligned longitudinally, and are designed to perform a specifiedoperation at each station in a predetermined sequence to create afinished metal part. Progressive stamping dies are capable of formingcomplex metal parts at very high speeds, so as to minimize manufacturingcosts. Heretofore, the dies used in metal forming presses have typicallybeen individually designed, one of a kind assemblies for a particularpart, with each of the various components being hand crafted and custommounted or fitted in an associated die set, which is in turn positionedin a stamping press. Not only are the punches and the other formingtools in the die set individually designed and constructed, but theother parts of the die set, such as stock lifters, stock guides, endcaps and keepers, cam returns, etc. are also custom designed andinstalled in the die set. Current die making processes require carefullymachined, precision holes and recesses in the die set, for mounting theindividual components, such that the same are quite labor intensive, andrequires substantial lead time to make, test and set up in a stampingpress. Consequently, such metal forming dies are very expensive todesign, manufacture and repair or modify.

In metal forming machines, a die is typically mounted in a stampingpress, and the material to be stamped, which is usually in the form ofan elongate strip of metal, is fed into the die with automated feedequipment meant to keep the material flowing straight through the die. Aplurality of stock guides create guides along the longitudinal axis ofthe material to keep it moving in a straight line through the die.

While prior stock guides and methods have proven generally successful,further improvements and enhancements to the same, as well as metalforming dies generally, would be clearly advantageous, and are disclosedherein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is an improved metal forming die ofthe type having at least two mutually converging and diverging diemembers between which an elongate stock strip is shifted longitudinallyto form parts from the stock strip, which includes a retractable stockguide assembly for precisely guiding the stock strip longitudinallyalong a straight line through the die. First and second retractablestock guides are detachably mounted on a first one of the die members,in a laterally spaced apart, mutually parallel and oppositely facingrelationship for guiding the stock strip therebetween. Each retractablestock guide includes a rigid, strap-shaped, stationary guide rail havingan inner face operably supported on the one die member, an outer facedisposed generally parallel and opposite the inner face, a leading endportion and a trailing end portion disposed opposite the leading endportion of the guide rail and downstream thereof in the direction ofstock strip travel. Each guide rail also has a side edge disposedbetween the inner and outer faces, with a laterally inward guide portionthereof oriented generally perpendicular with the inner and outer facesand configured to slidingly contact an adjacent side edge of the stockstrip to precisely guide the same through the die. Each guide rail alsohas first and second through apertures extending through the inner andouter faces of the guide rail adjacent the leading and trailing endportions thereof respectively, with a generally circular plan shape anda predetermined diameter. Each retractable stock guide also includes arigid, strap-shaped, retractable guide cap, having an inner facegenerally overlying and supported by the guide rail, an outer facedisposed generally parallel with and opposite the inner face of theguide cap, a leading end portion and a trailing end portion disposedgenerally opposite the leading end portion of the guide cap anddownstream thereof in the direction of stock strip travel. Each guidecap also has a side edge disposed between the inner and outer faces ofthe guide cap and having a laterally inward cap portion which protrudeslaterally inwardly over the inward guide portion of the side edge of theguide rail in an extended run condition to slidingly capture the stockstrip between the first and second stock guides and the one die member,and is generally aligned with the inward guide portion of the side edgeof the guide rail in a retracted load/unload condition to permit thestock strip to be readily loaded into and removed from inbetween thefirst and second stock guides. Each retractable guide cap also includesfirst and second through apertures extending through the inner and outerfaces of the guide cap adjacent the leading and trailing end portionsthereof, respectively, and each has a laterally oriented, generallyovate plan shape with first and second spaced apart axes of symmetry,and being defined by a generally ovate sidewall having a first arcuateportion which is disposed toward the laterally inward cap portion of theside edge, is centered generally about the first axis of symmetry, andhas a diameter generally commensurate with the predetermined diameter ofthe associated one of the first and second through apertures in theguide rail, and a second arcuate portion which is disposed away from thelaterally inward cap portion of the side edge, is centered generallyabout the second axis of symmetry, generally opposite the first arcuateportion of the ovate side wall, and has a diameter greater than thefirst arcuate portion of the ovate side wall. The retractable stockguides also include first and second mounting studs, each having anenlarged head portion at one end thereof with a tapered outer side wallhaving an outside diameter with at least a portion thereof that isgenerally commensurate with the second arcuate portion of the ovatesidewall of the associated one of the first and second through holes inthe guide cap, and is greater than the diameter of the first arcuateportion of the ovate sidewall of the associated one of the first andsecond through apertures in the guide cap. Each mounting stud alsoincludes a threaded shank portion at the other end thereof, generallyopposite the enlarged head portion, that is shaped for insertion throughan associated one of the first and second through apertures in the guidecap, an associated one of the first and second through apertures in theguide rail, and is threadedly anchored in the one die member. Eachmounting stud also includes a non-threaded collar portion disposedaxially between the enlarged head portion and the threaded shankportion, with a cylindrical shape and an outside diameter substantiallycommensurate with the associated one of the first and second throughholes in the guide rail, and the first arcuate portion of the ovatesidewall of the associated one of the first and second through holes inthe guide cap. Tightening of the first and second mounting studs in thefirst die member engages the tapered head portions of the first andsecond mounting studs against the ovate sidewalls of the first andsecond through apertures in the guide cap and shifts the guide caplaterally inwardly to the extended run condition to positively capturethe stock strip between the first and second stock guides in the firstdie member and precisely guide the stock strip longitudinally along astraight line through the die. Loosening of the first and secondmounting studs in the first die member facilitates laterally outwardshifting of the guide caps to the retracted load/unload condition topermit the stock strip to be readily loaded into and/or removed frominbetween the first and second stock guides.

Another aspect of the present invention is an improved metal forming diehaving at least two mutually converging and diverging die membersbetween which an elongate stock strip is shifted longitudinally to formparts from the stock strip, which includes a retractable stock guideassembly for precisely guiding the stock strip longitudinally along astraight line through the die. The stock guide assembly includes firstand second stock guides detachably mounted on a first one of the diemembers in a laterally spaced apart, mutually parallel and oppositelyfacing relationship, for guiding the stock strip therebetween. At leastthe first stock guide includes a rigid, strap-shaped, stationary guiderail, having an inner face operably supported on the one die member, anouter face disposed generally parallel with and opposite the inner face,a leading end portion, and a trailing end portion disposed generallyopposite the leading end portion of the guide rail and downstreamthereof in the direction of stock strip travel. The guide rail alsoincludes a side edge disposed between the inner and outer faces andhaving a laterally inward guide portion thereof oriented generallyperpendicular with the inner and outer faces and configured to slidinglycontact an adjacent side edge of the stock strip to precisely guide thesame through the die. The guide rail also includes first and secondthrough apertures extending through the inner and outer faces of theguide rail adjacent the leading and trailing end portions thereof,respectively, with a generally circular plan shape and a predetermineddiameter. The first stock guide also includes a rigid, strap-shapedretractable guide cap, having an inner face generally overlying andoperably supported by the guide rail, an outer face disposed generallyparallel with and opposite the inner face of the guide cap, a leadingend portion, and a trailing end portion disposed generally opposite theleading end portion of the guide cap and downstream thereof in thedirection of stock strip travel. The retractable guide cap also includesa side edge disposed between the inner and outer faces of the guide capwith a laterally inward cap portion that protrudes laterally inwardlyover the inward guide portion of the side edge of the guide rail in anextended run condition to slidingly capture the stock strip between thefirst and second stock guides and the one die member, and is generallyaligned with the inward guide portion of the side edge of the guide railin a retracted load/unload condition to permit the stock strip to bereadily loaded into and/or removed from inbetween the first and secondstock guides. The retractable guide cap also includes first and secondthrough apertures extending through the inner and outer faces of theguide cap adjacent the leading and trailing end portions thereofrespectively, and each having a laterally oriented, generally ovate planshape with first and second spaced apart axes of symmetry, and beingdefined by a generally ovate sidewall having a first arcuate portionwhich is disposed toward the laterally inward cap portion of the sideedge, is centered generally about the first axis of symmetry, and has adiameter generally commensurate with the predetermined diameter of theassociated one of the first and second through apertures in the guiderail, and a second arcuate portion which is disposed away from thelaterally inward cap portion of the sidewall, is centered generallyabout the second axis of symmetry, generally opposite the first arcuateportion, and has a diameter greater than the first arcuate portion ofthe ovate sidewall. The first stock guide also includes first and secondmounting studs each having an enlarged head portion at one end thereofwith a tapered outer sidewall having an outside diameter with at least aportion thereof that is generally commensurate with the second arcuateportion of the ovate sidewall of the associated one of the first andsecond through holes in the guide cap, and is greater than the diameterof the first arcuate portion of the sidewall of the associated one ofthe first and second through apertures in the guide cap. Each mountingstud also includes a threaded shank portion at the other end thereof,generally opposite the enlarged head portion, that is shaped forinsertion through an associated one of the first and second throughapertures in the guide cap, an associated one of the first and secondthrough apertures in the guide rail, and is threadedly anchored in theone die member. Each of the mounting studs further includes anon-threaded collar portion disposed axially between the enlarged headportion and the threaded shank portion, and has a cylindrical shape withan outside diameter substantially commensurate with the associated oneof the first and second through holes in the guide rail, and the firstarcuate portion of the ovate sidewall of the associated one of the firstand second through holes in the guide cap. Tightening of the first andsecond mounting studs in the first die member engages the tapered headportions of the first and second mounting studs against the ovatesidewalls of the first and second through apertures in the guide cap,and shifts the guide cap laterally inwardly to the extended runcondition to positively capture the stock strip between the first andsecond stock guides and the first die member, and precisely guide thestock strip longitudinally along a straight line through the die.Loosening of the first and second mounting studs in the first die memberfacilitates laterally outward shifting of the guide cap to the retractedload/unload condition to permit the stock strip to be readily loadedinto and/or removed from inbetween the first and second stock guides.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a retractable stock guideassembly for a metal forming die having at least two mutually convergingand diverging die members between which an elongated stock strip isshifted longitudinally to form parts from the stock strip. Theretractable stock guide assembly includes at least one retractable stockguide configured for detachably mounting on a first one of the diemembers and includes a rigid, strap-shaped, stationary guide rail havingan inner face shaped for operably support on the one die member, anouter face disposed generally parallel with and opposite the inner face,a leading end portion and a trailing end portion disposed generallyopposite the leading end portion of the guide rail and downstreamthereof in the direction of stock strip travel. The guide rail alsoincludes a side edge disposed between the inner and outer faces thereof,with a laterally inward guide portion thereof oriented generallyperpendicular with the inner and outer faces and configured to slidinglycontact an adjacent side edge of the stock strip to precisely guide thesame through the die. The guide rail also has first and second throughapertures extending through the inner and outer faces of the guide railadjacent the leading and trailing end portions, respectively, eachhaving a generally circular plan shape with a predetermined diameter.The stock guide also includes a rigid strap-shaped retractable guidecap, having an inner face generally overlying and operably supported bythe outer face of the guide rail, an outer face disposed generallyparallel with and opposite the inner face of the guide cap, a leadingend portion and a trailing end portion disposed generally opposite theleading end portion of the guide cap and downstream thereof in thedirection of stock strip travel. The guide cap also includes a side edgedisposed between the inner and outer faces of the guide cap, with alaterally inward cap portion which protrudes laterally inwardly over theinward guide portion of the side edge of the guide rail in an extendedrun condition to slidingly capture at least a portion of a stock stripbetween the stock guide and the one die member, and is generally alignedwith the inward guide portion of the side edge of the guide rail in aretracted load/unload condition to permit at least a portion of thestock strip to be readily loaded into and/or removed from the stockguide. The guide cap also includes first and second through aperturesextending through the inner and outer faces of the guide cap adjacentthe leading and trailing end portions thereof, respectively, with eachhaving a laterally oriented generally ovate plan shape with first andsecond spaced apart axes of symmetry, and being defined by a generallyovate sidewall having a first arcuate portion which is disposed towardthe laterally inward cap portion of the side edge, is centered generallyabout the first axis of symmetry, and has a diameter generallycommensurate with the predetermined diameter of the associated one ofthe first and second through apertures in the guide rail, and a secondarcuate portion which is disposed away from the laterally inward capportion of the side edge, is centered generally about the second axis ofsymmetry, generally opposite the first arcuate portion of the ovatesidewall, and has a diameter greater than the first arcuate portion ofthe ovate sidewall. The stock guide also includes first and secondmounting studs, each having an enlarged head portion at one end thereof,with a tapered outer sidewall having an outside diameter with at least aportion thereof that is generally commensurate with the second arcuateportion of the ovate sidewall of the associated one of the first andsecond through holes in the guide cap, and is greater than the diameterof the first arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall of the associated oneof the first and second through apertures in the guide cap. Eachmounting stud also has a threaded shank portion at the other endthereof, generally opposite the enlarged head portion, that is shapedfor insertion through an associated one of the first and second throughapertures in the guide cap, an associated one of the first and secondthrough apertures in the guide rail, and is threadedly anchored in theone die member. Each mounting stud also has a non-threaded collarportion disposed axially between the enlarged head portion and thethreaded shank portion, and has a cylindrical shape with an outsidediameter substantially commensurate with the associated one of the firstand second through holes in the guide rail, and the first arcuateportion of the ovate sidewall of the associated one of the first andsecond through holes in the guide cap. Tightening of the first andsecond mounting studs in the first die member engages the tapered headportions of the first and second mounting studs against the ovatesidewalls of the first and second through apertures in the guide cap,and shifts the guide cap laterally inwardly to the extended runcondition to positively capture at least a portion of the stock stripbetween the stock guide assembly and the first die member, and preciselyguide the stock strip longitudinally along the straight line through thedie. Loosening of the first and second mounting studs in the first diemember facilitates laterally outward shifting of the guide cap to theretracted load/unload condition to permit the stock strip to be readilyloaded into and/or removed from the stock guide.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is an improved metal formingdie having at least two mutually converging and diverging die membersbetween which an elongate stock strip is shifted longitudinally to formparts from the stock strip, which includes a retractable stock guideassembly for precisely guiding the stock strip longitudinally along astraight line through the die. The retractable stock guide assemblyincludes first and second stock guides detachably mounted on a first oneof the die members in a laterally spaced apart, mutually parallel andoppositely facing relationship for guiding the stock strip therebetween.Each of the first and second stock guides includes first and secondguide rollers, each of which has a generally circular plan configurationwith an inner face shaped for operable support on the one die member andan outer face disposed generally parallel with and opposite the innerface, as well as a generally annularly shaped inner bearing race, agenerally annularly shaped outer bearing race, and a plurality of rollerbearing elements captured between the inner and outer bearing raceswhich facilitate smooth, anti-frictional rotation of the outer bearingrace relative to the inner bearing race. The inner bearing race has aninnermost mounting sidewall with a circular plan shape and an associatedpredetermined diameter, and the outer bearing race has an outermoststock guiding sidewall with a circular plan shape and an associatedpredetermined diameter, which is configured to rollingly contact anadjacent side edge of the stock strip to precisely guide the samethrough the die. Each stock guide also includes a rigid strap-shapedretractable guide cap, having an inner face generally overlying andoperably supported by the outer faces of the guide rollers, an outerface disposed generally parallel with and opposite the inner face of theguide cap, a leading end portion, and a trailing end portion disposedgenerally opposite the leading end portion of the guide cap anddownstream thereof, in the direction of stock strip travel. Each guidecap also includes a side edge disposed between the inner and outer facesof the guide cap, with a laterally inward cap portion which protrudeslaterally inwardly over the outermost stock guiding sidewalls of thefirst and second guide rollers in an extended run condition to rollinglycapture the stock strip between the first and second stock guides andthe one die member, and is generally aligned with the outermost stockguiding sidewalls of the first and second guide rollers in a retractedload/unload condition to permit the stock strip to be readily loadedinto and/or removed from between the first and second stock guides. Eachguide cap also includes first and second through apertures extendingthrough the inner and outer faces of the guide cap adjacent the innerend trailing end portions thereof, respectively, with each having alaterally oriented, generally ovate plan shape with first and secondspaced apart axes of symmetry, and being defined by a generally ovatesidewall having a first arcuate portion which is disposed toward thelaterally inward cap portion of the side edge, is centered generallyabout the first axis of symmetry and has a diameter generallycommensurate with the predetermined diameter of the associated one ofthe first and second innermost mounting sidewalls of the first andsecond guide rollers, and a second arcuate portion which is disposedaway from the laterally inward cap portion of the side edge, is centeredgenerally about the second axis of symmetry, generally opposite thefirst arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall, and has a diameter greaterthan the first arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall. Each of the stockguides also includes first and second mounting studs, each having anenlarged head portion at one end thereof with a tapered outer sidewall,having an outside diameter with at least a portion thereof that isgenerally commensurate with the second arcuate portion of the ovatesidewall of the associated one of the first and second through holes inthe guide cap, and is greater than the diameter of the first arcuateportion of the ovate sidewall of the associated one of the first andsecond through apertures in the guide cap. Each mounting stud alsoincludes a threaded shank portion at the other end thereof, generallyopposite the enlarged head portion, and shaped for insertion through anassociated one of the first and second through apertures in the guidecap, an associated one of the innermost mounting sidewalls of the firstand second guide rollers, and being threadedly anchored in the one diemember. Each mounting stud also includes a non-threaded collar portiondisposed axially between the enlarged head portion and the threadedshank portion, and having a cylindrical shape with an outside diametersubstantially commensurate with the associated one of the innermostmounting sidewalls of the first and second guide rollers, and the firstarcuate portion of the ovate sidewall of the associated one of the firstand second through holes in the guide cap. Tightening of the first andsecond mounting studs in the first die member engages the tapered headportions of the first and second mounting studs against the ovatesidewalls of the first and second through apertures in the guide caps,and shifts the guide caps laterally inwardly to the extended runcondition to positively capture the stock strip between the first andsecond stock guides and the first die member, and precisely guide thestock strip longitudinally along the straight line through the die.Loosening of the first and second mounting screws in the first diemember facilitates laterally outward shifting of the guide caps to theretracted load/unload condition to permit the stock strip to be readilyloaded into and/or removed in between the first and second stock guides.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is an improved metal formingdie having at least two mutually converging and diverging die membersbetween which an elongate stock strip is shifted longitudinally to formparts from the stock strip, which includes a retractable stock guideassembly for precisely guiding the stock strip longitudinally along astraight line through the die, which includes first and second stockguides detachably mounted on a first one of the die members in alaterally spaced apart, mutually parallel and oppositely facingrelationship for guiding the stock strip therebetween. At least thefirst one of the stock guides includes first and second guide rollers,each having a generally circular plan configuration with an inner faceshaped for operable support on the one die member and an outer facedisposed generally parallel with and opposite the inner face, agenerally annularly shaped inner bearing race, a generally annularlyshaped outer bearing race, and the plurality of rolling bearing elementscaptured between the inner and outer bearing races which facilitatessmooth, anti-frictional rotation of the outer bearing race relative tothe inner bearing race. The inner bearing race has an innermost mountingsidewall with a circular plan shape and an associated predetermineddiameter, and the outer bearing race has an outermost stock guidingsidewall, with a circular plan shape and an associated predetermineddiameter, which is configured to rollingly contact an adjacent side edgeof the stock strip to precisely guide the same through the die. Thefirst stock guide also includes a rigid, strap-shaped retractable guidecap, having an inner face generally overlying and operably supported bythe outer faces of the guide rollers, an outer face disposed generallyparallel with and opposite the inner face of the guide cap, a leadingend portion and a trailing end portion disposed generally opposite theleading end portion of the guide cap and downstream thereof in thedirection of stock strip travel. The guide cap also includes a side edgedisposed between the inner and outer faces of the guide cap, with alaterally inward cap portion which protrudes laterally inwardly over theoutermost stock guiding sidewalls of the first and second guide rollersin an extended run condition to rollingly capture the stock stripbetween the first and second stock guides and the one die member, and isgenerally aligned with the outermost stock guiding sidewalls of thefirst and second guide rollers in a retracted load/unload condition topermit the stock strip to be readily loaded into and/or removed frominbetween the first and second stock guides. The guide cap also hasfirst and second through apertures extending through the inner and outerfaces of the guide cap adjacent the leading and trailing end portionsthereof, respectively, and each has a laterally oriented, generallyovate plan shape with first and second spaced apart axes of symmetry,and being defined by a generally ovate sidewall having a first arcuateportion which is disposed toward the laterally inward cap portion of theside edge, is centered generally about the first axis of symmetry, andhas a diameter generally commensurate with the predetermined diameter ofthe associated one of the first and second innermost mounting sidewallsof the first and second guide rollers, and a second arcuate portionwhich is disposed away from the laterally inward cap portion of the sideedge, is centered generally about the second axis of symmetry, generallyopposite the first arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall, and has adiameter greater than the first arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall.The first stock guide also includes first and second mounting studs,each of which has an enlarged head portion at one end thereof with atapered outer sidewall having an outside diameter with at least aportion thereof that is generally commensurate with the second arcuateportion of the ovate sidewall of the associated one of the first andsecond through holes in the guide cap, and is greater than the diameterof the first arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall of the associated oneof the first and second through apertures in the guide cap. Eachmounting stud also includes a threaded shank portion at the other endthereof, generally opposite the enlarged head portion, that is shapedfor insertion through an associated one of the first and second throughapertures in the guide cap, an associated one of the innermost mountingsidewalls of the first and second guide rollers, and is threadedlyanchored in the one die member. Each mounting stud also includes anon-threaded collar portion disposed axially between the enlarged headportion and the threaded shank portion, and has a cylindrical shape withan outside diameter substantially commensurate with the associated oneof the innermost mounting sidewalls of the first and second guiderollers, and the first arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall of theassociated one of the first and second through holes in the guide cap.Tightening of the first and second mounting studs in the first diemember engages the tapered head portions of the first and secondmounting studs against the ovate sidewall of the first and secondthrough apertures in the guide cap and shifts the guide cap laterallyinwardly to the extended run condition to positively capture the stockstrip between the first and second stock guides and the first die memberand precisely guide the stock strip longitudinally along a straight linethrough the die. Loosening of the first and second mounting studs in thefirst die member facilitates laterally outward shifting of the guide capto the retracted load/unload condition to permit the stock strip to bereadily loaded into and/or removed from inbetween the first and secondstock guides.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a retractable stock guideassembly for a metal forming die having at least two mutually convergingand diverging die members between which an elongate stock strip isshifted longitudinally to form parts from the stock strip. Theretractable stock guide assembly includes at least one retractable stockguide configured for detachably mounting on a first one of the diemembers and includes first and second guide rollers, each having agenerally circular plan configuration with an inner face shaped foroperable support on the one die member and an outer face disposedgenerally parallel with and opposite the inner face, a generallyannularly shaped inner bearing race, a generally annularly shaped outerbearing race, and a plurality of rolling bearing elements capturedbetween the inner and outer bearing races, which facilitates smooth,anti-frictional rotation of the outer bearing race relative to the innerbearing race. The inner bearing race has an innermost mounting sidewallwith a circular plan shape and an associated predetermined diameter, andthe outer bearing race has an outermost stock guiding sidewall with acircular plan shape and an associated predetermined diameter, and isconfigured to rollingly contact an adjacent side edge of the stock stripto precisely guide the same through the die. The stock guide alsoincludes a rigid strap-shaped retractable guide cap having an inner facegenerally overlying and operably supported by the outer faces of theguide rollers, an outer face disposed generally parallel with andopposite the inner face of the guide cap, a leading end portion and atrailing end portion disposed generally opposite the leading end portionof the guide cap and down-stream thereof in the direction of stock striptravel. The guide cap also includes a side edge disposed between theinner and outer faces of the guide cap with a laterally inward capportion which protrudes laterally inwardly over the outermost stockguiding sidewalls of the first and second guide rollers in an extendedrun condition to rollingly capture at least a portion of the stock stripbetween the stock guide and the one die member, and is generally alignedwith the outermost stock guiding sidewalls of the first and second guiderollers in a retracted load/unload condition to permit at least aportion of the stock strip to be readily loaded into and/or removed fromthe stock guide. The guide cap also includes first and second throughapertures extending through the inner and outer faces of the guide capadjacent the leading and trailing end portion thereof, respectively,with each having a laterally oriented, generally ovate plan shape withfirst and second spaced apart axes of symmetry, and being defined by agenerally ovate sidewall having a first arcuate portion which isdisposed toward the laterally inward cap portion of the side edge, iscentered generally about the first axis of symmetry, and has a diametergenerally commensurate with the predetermined diameter of the associatedone of the first and second innermost mounting sidewalls of the firstand second guide rollers, and a second arcuate portion which is disposedaway from the laterally inward cap portion of the side edge, is centeredgenerally about the second axis of symmetry, generally opposite thefirst arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall, and has a diameter greaterthan the first arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall. The stock guidealso has first and second mounting studs, each of which has an enlargedhead portion at one end thereof, with a tapered outer sidewall having anoutside diameter with at least a portion thereof that is commensuratewith the second arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall of the associatedone of the first and second through holes in the guide cap, and isgreater than the diameter of the first arcuate portion of the ovatesidewall of the associated one of the first and second through aperturesin the guide cap. Each mounting stud also has a threaded shank portionat the other end thereof, generally opposite the enlarged head portion,that is shaped for insertion through an associated one of the first andsecond through apertures in the guide cap, an associated one of theinnermost mounting sidewalls of the first and second guide rollers, andis threadedly anchored in the first die member. Each mounting stud alsoincludes a non-threaded collar portion disposed axially between theenlarged head portion and the threaded shank portion and has acylindrical shape with an outside diameter substantially commensuratewith the associated one of the innermost mounting sidewalls of the firstand second guide rollers, and the first arcuate portion of the ovatesidewall of the associated one of the first and second through holes inthe guide cap. Tightening of the first and second mounting studs in thefirst die member engages the tapered head portions of the first andsecond mounting studs against the ovate sidewalls of the first andsecond through apertures in the guide cap, and shifts the guide caplaterally inwardly to the extended run condition to positively captureat least a portion of the stock strip between the stock guide and thefirst die member, and precisely guide the stock strip longitudinallyalong a straight line through the die. Loosening of the first and secondmounting studs in the first die member facilitates laterally outwardshifting of the guide cap to the retracted load/unload condition topermit at least a portion of the stock strip to be readily loaded intoand/or removed from the stock guide.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is an improved method formaking a metal forming die of the type having at least two mutuallyconverging and diverging die members between which an elongate stockstrip is shifted longitudinally to form parts from the stock strip. Themethod includes forming a rigid strap-shaped stationary guide rail withan inner face for operable support on the one die member, an outer facedisposed generally parallel with and opposite the inner face, a leadingend portion, a trailing end portion disposed generally opposite theleading end portion of the guide rail and down the stream thereof in thedirection of stock strip travel, and a side edge disposed between theinner and outer faces with a laterally inward guide portion thereoforiented generally perpendicular with the inner and outer faces andconfigured to slidingly contact an adjacent side edge of the stock stripto precisely guide the same through the die. The method further includesforming first and second through apertures through the inner and outerfaces of the guide rail adjacent the leading and trailing end portionsthereof, respectively, each with a generally circular plan shape and apredetermined diameter. The method further includes forming a rigidstrap-shaped retractable guide cap with an inner face generallyoverlying and operably supported by the guide rail, an outer facedisposed generally parallel with and opposite the inner face of theguide cap, a leading end portion and a trailing end portion disposedgenerally opposite the leading end portion of the guide cap anddownstream thereof in the direction of stock strip travel, and a sideedge disposed between the inner and outer faces of the guide cap with alaterally inward cap portion which protrudes laterally inwardly over theinward guide portion of the side portion of the guide rail in anextended running condition, and is aligned with the inward guide portionof the side edge of the guide rail in a retracted load/unload condition.The method further includes forming first and second through aperturesthrough the inner and outer faces of the guide cap adjacent the leadingand trailing end portions thereof, respectively, each with a laterallyoriented, generally ovate plan shape with first and second spaced apartaxes of symmetry and being defined by a generally ovate sidewall with afirst arcuate portion which is disposed toward the laterally inward capportion of the side edge, is centered generally about the first axis ofsymmetry, and has a diameter generally commensurate with thepredetermined diameter of the associated one of the first and secondthrough apertures in the guide rail, and a second arcuate portion whichis disposed away from the laterally inward cap portion of the side edge,is centered generally about the second axis of symmetry, generallyopposite the first arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall, and has adiameter that is greater than the first arcuate portion of the ovatesidewall. The method further includes forming a plurality of mountingstuds, each with an enlarged head portion at one end thereof with atapered sidewall having an outside diameter with at least a portionthereof that is generally commensurate with the second arcuate portionof the ovate sidewall of the associated one of the first and secondthrough holes in the guide cap, and is greater than the diameter of thefirst arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall of the associated one of thefirst and second through apertures in the guide cap. Each mounting studalso has a threaded shank portion at the other end thereof, generallyopposite the enlarged head portion, that is shaped for insertion throughan associated one of the first and second through apertures in the guidecap, and an associated one of the first and second through apertures inthe guide rail, and for threaded anchoring in the one die member. Eachmounting stud also has a non-threaded collar portion disposed axiallybetween the enlarged head portion and the threaded shank portion and hasa cylindrical shape with an outside diameter substantially commensuratewith the associated one of the first and second through holes in theguide rail, and the first arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall of theassociated one of the first and second holes in the guide cap. Themethod further includes forming first and second at least partiallythreaded mounting apertures in a mounting face of the one die member, ina mutually aligned and spaced apart relationship configured forsecurely, yet detachably mounting a first one of the retractable stockguide assemblies thereon. The method further includes forming third andfourth at least partially threaded mounting apertures in the mountingface of the one die member in a mutually aligned and spaced apartrelationship, which are disposed laterally spaced apart from andgenerally parallel with the first and second mounting apertures, andconfigured for securely, yet detachably mounting a second one of theretractable stock guide assemblies thereon in an oppositely facingrelationship with the first one of the retractable stock guideassemblies. The method further includes positioning a first stationaryguide rail on the mounting surface of the one die member with the firstand second through apertures thereof generally aligned with the firstand second mounting apertures in the one die member, and positioning asecond stationary guide rail on the mounting surface of the one diemember with the first and second through apertures thereof generallyaligned with the third and fourth mounting apertures in the one diemember. The method further includes positioning a first retractableguide cap above the first stationary guide rail with the first andsecond through apertures of the first retractable guide cap generallyaligned with the first and second through apertures in the firststationary guide rail, and positioning a second retractable guide capabove the second stationary guide rail with the first and second throughapertures of the second retractable guide cap generally aligned with thefirst and second through apertures in the second stationary guide rail.The method further includes inserting the threaded ends of first andsecond ones of the threaded mounting studs into and through the firstand second through apertures in both the first stationary guide rail andthe first retractable guide cap, and then into the first and secondmounting apertures in the one die member, and partially tightening thefirst and second mounting studs in the first and second mountingapertures in the one die member, so as to permit shifting of the firstretractable guide cap between the extended run condition and theretracted load/unload condition. The method further includes insertingthe threaded ends of third and fourth ones of the threaded mountingscrews into and through the first and second through apertures in boththe second stationary guide rail and the second retractable guide capand then into the third and fourth mounting apertures in the one diemember, and partially tightening the third and fourth mounting studs inthe third and fourth mounting apertures in the one die member, so as topermit shifting of the second retractable guide cap between the extendedrun condition and the retracted load/unload condition. The methodfurther includes shifting both the first and second retractable guidecaps to the retracted load/unload condition, and inserting an elongatestock strip between the first and second stationary stock guides, andonto the mounting surface of the one die member. The method furtherincludes tightening the first, second, third and fourth mounting studsin the one die member, thereby engaging the tapered head portions of thefirst, second, third and fourth mounting studs against the ovatesidewalls of the first and second through apertures in the first andsecond guide caps, and thereby shifting the first and second guide capslaterally inwardly to the extended run condition to positively capturethe stock strip between first and second retractable stock guideassemblies and the one die member, and precisely guide the stock striplongitudinally along the straight line through the die.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is an improved method formaking a metal forming die of the type having at least two mutuallyconverging and diverging die members between which an elongate stockstrip is shifted longitudinally to form parts from the stock strip usinga retractable stock guide assembly for precisely guiding the stock striplongitudinally along a straight line through the die. The methodincludes forming first and second guide rollers each with a generallycircular plan configuration with an inner face operably supported on theone die member, and an outer face disposed generally parallel with andopposite the inner face, a generally annularly inner bearing race, agenerally annularly shaped outer bearing race and a plurality of rollingbearing elements captured between the inner and outer bearing raceswhich facilitates smooth, anti-frictional rotation of the outer bearingrace relative to the inner bearing race. The inner bearing race has aninnermost mounting sidewall with a circular plan shape and an associatedpredetermined diameter, and the outer bearing race has an outermoststock guiding sidewall with a circular plan shape and an associatedpredetermined diameter which is configured to rollingly contact anadjacent side edge of the side strip to precisely guide the same throughthe die. The method further includes forming a rigid, strap-shapedretractable guide cap with an inner face generally overlying andoperably supported by the outer faces of the guide rollers, an outerface disposed generally parallel with and opposite the inner face of theguide cap, a leading end portion, and a trailing end portion disposedgenerally opposite the leading end portion of the guide cap anddownstream thereof in the direction of stock strip travel. The guide capalso has a side edge disposed between the inner and outer faces of theguide cap, with a laterally inward cap portion which protrudes laterallyinwardly over the outermost stock guiding sidewalls of the first andsecond guide rollers in an extended run condition, and is generallyaligned with the outermost stock guiding sidewalls of the first andsecond guide rollers in a retracted load/unload condition. The methodfurther includes forming first and second through apertures through theinner and outer faces of the guide cap, adjacent the leading andtrailing end portions thereof, each with a laterally oriented, generallyovate plan shape with first and second spaced apart axes of symmetry,and being defined by a generally ovate sidewall with a first arcuateportion which is disposed toward the laterally inward cap portion of theside edge, is centered generally about the first axis of symmetry andhas a diameter generally commensurate with the predetermined diameter ofthe associated one of the innermost mounting sidewalls in the first andsecond guide rollers, and a second arcuate portion which is disposedaway from the laterally inward cap portion of the side edge, is centeredgenerally about the second axis of symmetry, generally opposite thefirst arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall, and has a diameter greaterthan the first arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall. The method furtherincludes forming a plurality of mounting studs, each with an enlargedhead portion at one end thereof, with a tapered outer sidewall having anoutside diameter with at least a portion thereof that is generallycommensurate with a second arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall of theassociated one of the first and second through holes in the guide cap,and is greater than the diameter of the first arcuate portion of theovate sidewall of the associated one of the first and second throughapertures in the guide cap. Each mounting stud also has a threaded shankportion at the other end thereof, generally opposite the enlarged headportion, and shaped for insertion through an associated one of the firstand second through apertures in the guide cap, and an associated one ofthe inner mounting sidewalls in the first and second guide rollers, andfor threaded anchoring in the one die member. Each mounting stud alsohas a non-threaded collar portion disposed axially between the enlargedhead portion and the threaded shank portion with a cylindrical shape andan outside diameter substantially commensurate with the associated oneof the inner mounting sidewalls of the first and second guide rollers,and the first arcuate portion of the ovate sidewall of the associatedone of the first and second through holes in the guide cap. The methodfurther includes forming first and second at least partially threadedmounting apertures in a mounting face of the one die member in amutually aligned and spaced apart relationship configured for securely,yet detachably mounting a first one of the retractable stock guideassemblies thereon. The method further includes forming third and fourthat least partially threaded mounting apertures in the mounting face ofthe one die member in a mutually aligned and spaced apart relationship,which are disposed laterally spaced apart from and generally parallelwith first and second mounting apertures, and configured for securely,yet detachably mounting of a second one of the retractable stock guidesthereon in an oppositely facing relationship with the first one of theretractable stock guide assemblies. The method further includespositioning a first pair of the first and second guide rollers on themounting surface of the one die member with the inner mounting sidewallsthereof generally aligned with the first and second mounting aperturesin the one die member, and positioning a second pair of the first andsecond guide rollers on the mounting surface of the one die member withinner mounting sidewalls thereof generally aligned with the third andfourth mounting apertures in the one die member. The method furtherincludes positioning a first retractable guide cap above the first pairof first and second guide rollers with the first and second throughapertures of the first retractable guide generally aligned with theinner mounting sidewalls of the first pair of first and second guiderollers, and positioning a second retractable guide cap above the secondpair of first and second roller guides with the first and second throughapertures of the second retractable guide cap generally aligned with theinner mounting sidewalls of the second pair of first and second rollerguides. The method further includes inserting the threaded ends of firstand second ones of the threaded mounting studs into and through thefirst and second through apertures in the first retractable guide cap,the inner mounting sidewalls of the first pair of first and second guiderollers, and then into the first and second mounting apertures in theone die member, and partially tightening the first and second mountingstuds in the first and second mounting apertures in the one die member,so as to permit shifting of the first retractable guide cap between theextended run condition and the retracted load/unload condition. Themethod further includes inserting the threaded ends of third and fourthones of the threaded mounting studs into and through the first andsecond through apertures in the second retractable guide cap, the innermounting sidewalls in the second pair of first and second guide rollers,and then into the third and fourth mounting apertures in the one diemember, and partially tightening the third and fourth mounting studs inthe third and fourth mounting apertures in the one die member, so as topermit shifting of the second retractable guide cap between the extendedrun condition and the retracted load/unload condition. The methodfurther includes shifting both the first and second retractable guidecaps laterally outwardly to the retracted load/unload condition, andinserting an elongate stock strip between the first and second guiderollers, and onto the mounting surface of the one die member. The methodfurther includes tightening the first, second, third and fourth mountingstuds in the one die member, thereby engaging the tapered head portionsof the first, second, third and fourth mounting studs against the ovatesidewalls of the first and second through apertures in the first andsecond guide caps and shifting the guide caps laterally inwardly to theextended run condition to positively capture the stock strip between thefirst and second retractable stock guide assemblies and the one diemember, so as to precisely guide the stock strip longitudinally along astraight line through the die.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a retractable stock guideassembly and method which has a readily shiftable guide cap to providequick and easy removal of stock from the tool, as well as quick and easyloading of stock into the tool. The retractable stock guide assembly hasa unique design that positively drives the shiftable guide cap intoplace when the mounting studs are tightened in the tool, therebyensuring that the guide cap is in its proper position. The retractablestock guide is configured so that the mounting studs do not have to beremoved from the tool in order to retract the top guide cap. Theretractable stock guide assembly can be used with either a solid,stationary stock guide, or a pair of roller guides, in conjunction withcommon guide caps and mounting studs that can be used with both designs.The retractable stock guide assembly can be equipped with C-rings, whichassures that the various parts remain loosely assembled, and together,even when the stock guide is not mounted on an associated die member, soas to provide a ready to use, all-in-one assembly. The retractable stockguide assembly requires no specialized tooling for installation. Themachining of the die member is simple, and can be readily and quicklyachieved. The retractable stock guide design can be manufactured inmultiple sizes and lengths to accommodate a wide variety of differentapplications, is economical to manufacture, efficient in use, andparticularly well adapted for the proposed use.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understoodand appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to thefollowing written specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a retractable stock guideembodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the retractable stock guide, shownattached to an associated die member, and with a retractable guide capportion thereof in an extended run condition, wherein portions thereofhave been broken away to reveal internal construction.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the retractable stock guideshown in FIG. 2, with a section of stock strip retained by theretractable stock guide in the extended run condition.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the retractable stock guideand stock strip shown in FIG. 3, taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the retractable stock guide, shownattached loosely to an associated die member, and with the retractableguide cap portion in a retracted load/unload condition, wherein portionsthereof have been broken away to reveal internal construction.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the retractable stock guideshown in FIG. 5, with a section of stock strip ready to be loaded intoor removed from the retractable stock guide.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the retractable stock guideand stock strip shown in FIG. 6, taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a partially schematic, plan view of a die/tool equipped with aplurality of retractable stock guide assemblies positioned alongopposite side edges of a stock strip for precisely guiding the samelongitudinally along a straight line through the die.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the retractable stock guide attached toan associated die member, with the retractable guide cap shown in theextended run condition, and a section of stock strip being guidedlongitudinally through an associated die.

FIG. 10 is a partially schematic, end elevational view of a pair oflaterally spaced apart, retractable stock guides attached to anassociated die member, each shown with the retractable guide caps in theextended run condition and a stock strip positioned therebetween.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the retractable stock guide attached toan associated die member, with the retractable guide cap shown in theretracted load/unload condition, and with a section of stock striptherein.

FIG. 12 is a partially schematic, end elevational view of a pair oflaterally spaced apart, retractable stock guide assemblies attached toan associated die member, each shown with the retractable guide caps inthe retracted load/unload condition, and a stock strip positionedtherebetween.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a stationary guide rail portion of theretractable stock guide.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the stationary guide rail.

FIG. 15 is an end elevational view of the stationary guide rail.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the stationary guide rail.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the retractable guide cap.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the retractable guide cap.

FIG. 19 is an end elevational view of the retractable guide cap.

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the retractable guide cap.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a mounting stud portion of theretractable stock guide.

FIG. 22 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the mounting stud.

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the mounting stud.

FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the mounting stud.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of a die memberin which mounting apertures have been formed to mount a retractablestock guide thereon, with portions thereof broken away to revealinternal construction.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the die member and one of themounting apertures formed therein.

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary, plan view of the die member in which fourmounting apertures have been formed to mount a pair of retractable stockguide assemblies thereto.

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the guide rail and retractable guide capportions of the retractable stock guide arranged in an overlying alignedfashion over two mounting apertures on an associated die member in theretracted load/unload condition.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the die member, guide rail andretractable guide cap shown in FIG. 28, taken along the lineXXVIIII-XXVIIII of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the die member, guide rail andretractable guide cap of FIG. 28, taken along the line XXX-XXX of FIG.28.

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the die member, guide rail and retractableguide cap shown in FIGS. 28-30, with a pair of mounting studs looselyinterconnecting the same together in the retracted load/unloadcondition.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the stock guide assembly shown inFIG. 31, taken along the line XXXII-XXXII of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the stock guide assembly shown inFIG. 31, taken along the line XXXIII-XXXIII of FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the stock guide assembly of FIGS. 31-33,shown assembled to the die member in the extended run condition.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the stock guide assembly of FIG.34, taken along the line XXXV-XXXV of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the stock guide assembly of FIG.34, taken along the line XXXVI-XXXVI of FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 is a fragmentary, bottom perspective view of the guide rail,retractable guide cap and mounting stud prior to assembly in anassociated die member.

FIG. 38 is a top perspective view of the retractable stock guideassembly prior to installation in an associated die member.

FIG. 39 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of aretractable stock guide embodying the present invention, whichincorporates two guide rollers.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the retractable stock guide shown inFIG. 39, shown attached to an associated die member, and with aretractable guide cap portion thereof in an extended run condition,wherein portions thereof have been broken away to reveal internalconstruction.

FIG. 41 is a fragmentary top plan view of the retractable stock guideshown in FIGS. 39-40, with a section of stock strip retained by theretractable stock guide in the extended run condition.

FIG. 42 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the retractable stockguide shown in FIGS. 39-41, taken along the line XXXXII-XXXXII of FIG.41.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the retractable stock guide shown inFIGS. 39-42, shown attached loosely to an associated die member, andwith the retractable guide cap in the retracted load/unload condition,wherein portions thereof have been broken away to reveal internalconstruction.

FIG. 44 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the retractable stock guideshown in FIGS. 39-43, with a section of stock strip ready to be loadedinto or removed from the retractable stock guide.

FIG. 45 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the stock guide shown inFIGS. 39-44, taken along the line XXXXV-XXXXV of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the retractable stock guide shown inFIGS. 39-45, attached to an associated die member with a section ofstock strip retained in the extended run condition.

FIG. 47 is a partially schematic, elevational view of a pair of theretractable stock guides shown in FIGS. 39-40, mounted attached to anassociated die member in a laterally spaced apart position, with a stockstrip retained therebetween in the extended run condition.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the retractable stock guide shown inFIGS. 39-47, attached to an associated die member with the retractableguide caps in the retracted load/unload condition to permit insertionand removal of an associated stock strip.

FIG. 49 is an end elevational view of a pair of the retractable stockguides shown in FIGS. 39-48, mounted to associated die members in alaterally spaced apart condition with retractable guide caps in theretracted load/unload condition to permit loading and unloading thestock strip from inbetween the two retractable stock guide assemblies.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of a guide roller portion of theretractable stock guide shown in FIGS. 39-49.

FIG. 51 is a plan view of the guide roller.

FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of the guide roller, taken along theline XXXXXII-XXXXXII of FIG. 1.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a shim portion of the retractable stockguide shown in FIGS. 39-52.

FIG. 54 is a plan view of the shim.

FIG. 55 is a side elevational view of the shim.

FIG. 56 is a fragmentary, bottom perspective view of the retractablestock guide shown in FIGS. 39-55, being loosely assembled prior toinstallation in an associated die member.

FIG. 57 is a top perspective view of the retractable stock guide shownin FIGS. 39-55, being loosely assembled prior to mounting in anassociated die member.

FIGS. 58-61 are perspective views of differently sized ones of theretractable stock guides shown in FIGS. 39-57, and also embodying thepresent invention.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a retractablestock guide embodying the present invention, which includes guiderollers of the type shown in FIGS. 39-57, and also incorporates coilsprings that resiliently urges the retractable guide cap to theretracted load/unload position.

FIG. 63 is an exploded perspective view of the retractable stock guideshown in FIG. 62.

FIG. 64 is a fragmentary, plan view of the retractable stock guide shownin FIGS. 62-63, with the retractable guide cap in the retractedload/unload condition.

FIG. 65 is a fragmentary, plan view of the retractable stock guide shownin FIGS. 62-64, with the retractable guide cap in the extended runcondition.

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a retractablestock guide embodying the present invention, which includes guiderollers of the type shown in FIGS. 39-57, and also incorporates leafsprings that resiliently urge the retractable guide cap to the retractedload/unload position.

FIG. 67 is an exploded perspective view of the retractable stock guideshown in FIG. 66.

FIG. 68 is a fragmentary top plan view of the retractable stock guideshown in FIGS. 66 and 67, with the retractable guide cap in theretracted load/unload position.

FIG. 69 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view of theretractable stock guide shown in FIGS. 66-68, taken along the lineXXXXXXVIIII-XXXXXXVIIII of FIG. 68.

FIG. 70 is a fragmentary, plan view of the retractable stock guide shownin FIGS. 66-69, with the retractable guide cap in the extended runcondition.

FIG. 71 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view of theretractable stock guide shown in FIGS. 66-70, taken along the lineXXXXXXXI-XXXXXXXI of FIG. 70.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIGS. 1-7. However,it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The reference numeral 1 (FIGS. 1-7) generally designates a retractablestock guide embodying the present invention, which is typically used inpairs as an assembly for metal forming dies and the like of the typehaving at least two mutually converging and diverging die membersbetween which an elongate stock strip is shifted longitudinally to formparts from the stock strip. Retractable stock guide 1 is configured fordetachable mounting on an associated die member, such as the die member2 illustrated in FIGS. 1-7. The retractable stock guide 1 illustrated inFIGS. 1-38 includes a rigid, strap-shaped, stationary guide rail 3,which has an inner face 4 shaped for operable support on die member 2,an outer face 5 disposed generally parallel with and opposite inner face4, a leading end portion 6, and a trailing end portion 7 disposedgenerally opposite leading end portion 6 of guide rail 3 and downstreamthereof in the direction of stock strip travel. Stationary guide rail 3also has a side edge 8 disposed between inner face 4 and outer face 5,which includes a laterally inward guide portion 9 oriented generallyperpendicular with inner face 4 and outer face 5, and is configured toslidingly contact an adjacent side edge 10 of a section of stock strip11 to precisely guide the same through the metal forming die associatedwith die member 2. Stationary guide rail 3 also includes first andsecond through apertures 12 and 13 extending through the inner and outerfaces 4, 5 of guide rail 3 adjacent the leading and trailing endportions 6 and 7 thereof, each having a generally circular plan shapewith a predetermined diameter. Retractable stock guide 1 also includes arigid, strap-shaped retractable guide cap 18 having an inner face 19generally overlying and operably supported by the outer face 5 of guiderail 3, an outer face 20 disposed generally parallel with and oppositethe inner face 19 of guide cap 18, a leading end portion 21, and atrailing end portion 22 disposed generally opposite the leading endportion 21 of guide cap 18 and downstream thereof in the direction ofstock strip travel. Retractable guide cap 18 has a side edge 23 disposedbetween the inner and outer faces 19, 20 of guide cap 18, which includesa laterally inward cap portion 24 that protrudes laterally inwardly overthe inward guide portion 9 of the side edge 8 of stationary guide rail 3in an extended run condition, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, to slidinglycapture at least a portion of the stock strip 11 between the retractablestock guide 1 and the die member 2. The laterally inward cap portion 24of retractable guide cap 18 is generally aligned with the inward guideportion 9 of the side edge 8 of stationary guide rail 3 in a retractedload/unload condition, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, to permit at leasta portion of the stock strip 11 to be readily loaded into and/or removedfrom the retractable stock guide 1. Retractable guide cap 11 alsoincludes first and second through apertures 25 and 26 extending throughthe inner and outer faces 19, 20 of guide cap 18 adjacent the leadingand trailing end portion 21, 22 thereof, each having a laterallyoriented, generally ovate plan shape with first and second spaced apartaxes of symmetry 27, 28. Each through aperture 25, 26 is defined by agenerally ovate sidewall 29 having a first arcuate portion 30 which isdisposed toward the laterally inward cap portion 24 of side edge 23, iscentered generally about the first axes of symmetry 27 and has adiameter generally commensurate with the predetermined diameter of theassociated one of the first and second through apertures 12, 13 in thestationary guide rail 3. Each ovate sidewall 29 also has a secondarcuate portion 31 which is disposed away from the laterally inward capportion 24 of side edge 23, is centered generally about the second axisof symmetry 28, generally opposite the first arcuate portion 30 of ovateside wall 29, and has a diameter that is greater than the first arcuateportion 30 of ovate side wall 29. Retractable stock guide 1 alsoincludes first and second mounting studs 40 and 41, each having anenlarged head portion 42 at one end thereof with a tapered outersidewall 43 having an outside diameter with at least a portion thereofthat is generally commensurate with the second arcuate portion 31 of theovate side wall 29 defining the associated one of the first and secondthrough holes 25 and 26 in retractable guide cap 18, and is greater thanthe diameter of the first arcuate portion 30 of the ovate sidewall 29 ofthe associated one of the first and second through apertures 25, 26 inretractable guide cap 18. The first and second mounting studs 40, 41also include a threaded shank portion 44 at the other end thereof,generally opposite the enlarged head portion 42, that is shaped forinsertion through an associated one of the first and second throughapertures 25, 26 in retractable guide cap 18, an associated one of thefirst and second through apertures 12, 13 in stationary guide rail 3,and is threadedly anchored in the die member 2. Each mounting stud 40,41 also includes a non-threaded collar portion 45 disposed axiallybetween the enlarged head portion 42 and the threaded shank portion 44,and has a cylindrical shape with an outside diameter substantiallycommensurate with the associated one of the first and second throughholes 12, 13 in stationary guide rail 3, and the first arcuate portion30 of ovate sidewall 29 of the associated one of the first and secondthrough holes 25, 26 in the guide cap 18. Tightening of the first andsecond mounting studs 40, 41 in the die member 2 engages the taperedhead portions 43 of the first and second mounting studs 40, 41 againstthe ovate sidewalls 29 of the first and second through apertures 25, 26in the retractable guide cap 18, and shifts the retractable guide cap 18laterally inwardly to the extended run condition, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3and 4 to positively capture the stock strip 11 between a pair of thestock guides 1 and the mounting face of the die member 2, and preciselyguide the stock strip 11 longitudinally along a straight line throughthe metal forming die associated with die member 2. Loosening of thefirst and second mounting studs 40, 41 in the die member 2 facilitateslaterally outward shifting of the retractable guide cap 18 to theretracted load/unload condition, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 to permitthe stock strip 11 to be readily loaded into and/or removed from a pairof the retractable stock guides 1.

FIG. 8 is a partially schematic, plan view of portions of a metalforming die 49, which includes die member or die tool 2, mounted in astamping press 50. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the stock stripmaterial 11 to be stamped is fed into the metal forming die 49 by anautomated feed device 51, which is designed to keep the stock materialflowing straight through the metal forming die 49. Three pairs of stockguides, such as the retractable stock guides 1 shown in FIGS. 1-38, aremounted on the die member 2 adjacent the side edges 10 of the stockstrip 11 to keep the stock strip moving in a straight line through thedie member 2 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8. In the exampleshown in FIG. 8, three pairs of stock guides 1 are mounted on the diemember 2 in a laterally spaced apart, mutually parallel and oppositelyfacing relationship for guiding the stock strip 11 slidinglytherebetween in a longitudinal direction. Each metal forming die 49 mayinclude multiple pairs of stock guides 1 which are spaced apartlongitudinally along the length of the die member 2 to insure preciseguiding of the stock strip through each station of the die member.

The term “die member,” as used herein, refers to any portion of a metalforming die or die set, including, but not limited to, an upper diemember or die shoe, a lower die member, and all other die components,whether stationary or reciprocating, including a reciprocating pressurepad, or the like. In the illustrated examples, retractable stock guide 1is shown mounted on a stationary die shoe which is typically locatedbelow a reciprocating upper die pad. As will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, retractable stock guide 1 can be mounted in othertypes of die members, and/or components in a variety of differentpositions and orientations, as necessary to precisely guide the stockstrip 11 through the various workstations of an associated metal formingdie.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 13-16, the illustrated stationary guiderail 3 has a one-piece, solid body construction, with the opposite faces4, 5 being generally flat and mutually parallel, and a generallyrectangular plan shape with rounded ends. More specifically, the sideedge 8 of the illustrated guide rail 3 includes straight side edges 54,and rounded or semi-circular ends 55 at both the leading and trailingend portions 6, 7 thereof. The illustrated stationary guide rail 3 has afully symmetrical shape, and can be rotated both end-to-end and/orside-to-side, and still have the same configuration, which providesreduced manufacturing costs, and ease of assembly in an associated diemember. The rounded end 55 positioned at the leading end portion 6 ofguide rail 3, which is upstream of the guide portion 9 in the directionof stock strip travel, serves to accurately guide the stock strip intothe central area between a pair of oppositely oriented, retractablestock guides 1, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. The illustrated guide rail 3is constructed from a solid bar of metal, such as steel, or the like,and may be hardened to resist wear, particularly along the guide portion9 of side edge 8. Stationary guide rail 3, including through apertures12 and 13, as well as rounded ends 55, can be easily and quickly formedfrom a solid metal plate, bar, or the like by laser or water jet cuttingto reduce manufacturing costs and minimize further processing of thepart.

The illustrated retractable guide cap 18 (FIGS. 17-20) also has aone-piece, solid body construction, with the opposite faces 19, 20 beinggenerally flat and mutually parallel, and a slightly modifiedrectangular plan shape with straight, parallel side edges 56, and halfrounded/half angled ends 57. Like stationary guide rail 3, retractableguide cap 18 can be cut or otherwise formed from a solid plate or bar ofrigid material, such as steel or the like. The arcuate end portions 58of the guide cap side edge 23 are half rounded or quarter-circular, andthe angled end portions 59 are generally straight or linear, and extendalong an angle from the arcuate edge portion 58 to a location adjacentthe inward cap portion 24, which serves to slidingly capture the stockstrip 11. As best illustrated in FIGS. 17-20, the first and secondthrough apertures 25, 26 in retractable guide cap 18 have asubstantially identical size and shape, and are positioned symmetricallythrough guide cap 18 between the leading and trailing end portions 21,22 and the sides 59 of side edge 23. The sidewalls 29 of throughaperture 25, 26 are oriented generally perpendicular to the inner andouter faces 19, 20 of the illustrated guide cap 18, so as to providepoint contact with the tapered sidewalls of mounting studs 40, 41, whichassure smooth, positive shifting of guide cap 18 to the extended runcondition when mounting studs 40, 41 are tightened. Through apertures25, 26 have a unique plan shape which is generally ovate or egg-shapedwith the smaller diameter sidewall end 30 centered about the first axisof symmetry 27 facing toward the inward cap portion 24, and the largerdiameter sidewall end 31 centered about the second axis of symmetry 28oriented away from the inward cap portion 24. The ovate sidewall 29 ofboth through apertures 25, 26 has two relatively short, straight orlinear sections 60 which interconnect the first and second arcuateportions 30, 31. Like stationary guide rail 3, the retractable guide cap18 has a fully symmetrical shape, and can be rotated both end-to-endand/or side-to-side, and still have the same configuration, whichprovides reduced manufacturing costs, and ease of assembly in anassociated die member. As best illustrated in FIGS. 28-36, theretractable guide cap 18 preferably has a width, as measured betweenstraight side edge portions 56, that is greater than the width of thestationary guide rail 3. Consequently, when retractable guide cap 18 isin the extended run condition, such as shown in FIGS. 34-36, the outwardstraight side edges 54, 56 of the guide rail 3 and guide cap 18 aregenerally aligned vertically, and the inward cap portion 24 of the sideedge 23 of retractable guide cap 18 protrudes inwardly well over theguide portion 9 of the side edge 8 of the stationary guide rail 3 topositively capture the stock strip 11 between an oppositely facing pairof the stock guides 1 and the mounting face of the die member 2, as bestshown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 10. With reference to FIGS. 28 and 31, whenretractable stock guide 1 is in the retracted load/unload condition, theangled edge portions 59 on the inward area of the side edge 23 ofretractable guide cap 18 expose the inward portions of the rounded ends55 of stationary guide rail 3, thereby providing the die operator withvisual assistance in correctly positioning the stock strip 11 squarelybetween a pair of stock guides 1.

With reference to FIGS. 21-24, the illustrated first and second mountingstuds 40, 41 are rigid, being constructed from steel, or the like, havea substantially similar size and shape, and are interchangeably inretractable stock guide 1. Each illustrated mounting stud 40, 41 has arelatively flat outer end or face 65 with a recessed tool socket 66positioned in a central portion thereof to facilitate tightening anduntightening the mounting studs 40, 41. An annular rim portion 67 isdisposed directly below outer end face 65, and extends axially to thetop of the tapered sidewall portion 43 of the mounting studs 40, 41. Theoutside diameter of the rim portion 67 is greater than the diameter ofboth the first and second arcuate portions 30, 31 of retractable guidecap 18. The top portion of the tapered sidewall 43 of mounting studs 40,41, which is disposed closest to rim 67, has an outside diameter that isgenerally commensurate with the diameter of the larger or second arcuateportion 31 of the ovate sidewalls 29 that define through apertures 25,26 and seats thereagainst, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, when mountingstuds 40, 41 are fully tightened in die member 2. The narrower orbottommost portion of the tapered sidewall 43, which is disposed closestto the threaded shank portion 44 of mounting studs 40, 41, has anoutside diameter that is generally commensurate with the diameter of thefirst arcuate portion 30 of the ovate sidewalls 29 that define throughapertures 25 and 26 in retractable guide cap 18, as well as the diameterof the through apertures 12, 13 in stationary guide rail 3. Thenon-threaded collar portion 45 of each mounting stud 40, 41 has aprecise cylindrical shape, with a smooth exterior surface which servesto accurately and securely locate and retain the retractable stock guideassembly 1 on the die member 2, without the need for separate locatingdowels, keys, or the like. The lowermost portion of the non-threadedcollar portion 45 of mounting studs 40, 41 includes a circumferentialextending retainer groove 70 which is generally U-shaped to selectivelyreceive therein a C-shaped retainer ring 71. In the relaxed condition,retainer ring 71 has an outside diameter that is greater than thediameter of the first and second through apertures 12 and 13 instationary guide rail 3, so as to keep the guide rail 3, guide cap 18and mounting studs 40, 41 assembled loosely together as a unit when notmounted on an associated die member, as best shown in FIGS. 37 and 38.The illustrated retainer ring 71 comprises a split C-ring, having arelaxed condition with an associated first outside diameter, and atensed condition with an associated second outside diameter that issmaller than the first outside diameter associated with the relaxedcondition, whereby when the mounting studs 40, 41 are fully tightened inthe die member 2, the C-rings 71 are constricted fully into the retainergroove 70 to permit complete and secure tightening of the mounting stud40, 41 in the die member 2, as shown in FIG. 4, and when the mountingstuds 40, 42 are loosened in the die member 2, C-retainer rings 71automatically bias outwardly to the relaxed condition to keep the guiderail 3, guide cap 18 and two mounting studs 40, 41 assembled looselytogether as a unit, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38. Furthermore, in theillustrated example, the threaded shank portion 44 of each mounting stud40, 41, has a predetermined length, which permits loosening of themounting studs 40, 41 in the die member 2 by a predetermined amount thatis sufficient to permit retractable guide cap 18 to shift between theextended run condition and the retracted load/unload condition, yetremain threadedly retained in the die member 2, as shown in FIG. 5.Preferably, mounting studs 40, 41 have a solid, one-piece construction,and can be machined from a solid rod of steel, or the like, in a singleset up process for improved accuracy and reduced cost.

As best shown in illustrated in FIGS. 25-27, each of the illustratedretractable stock guides 1 is mounted to an associated die member 2 byforming first and second mounting apertures 75 and 76 in the mountingface 77 of die member 2 in a laterally spaced-apart and alignedcondition, oriented generally parallel with the direction of stock striptravel through die member 2. Mounting apertures 75, 76 are substantiallyidentical in shape and size, and include a threaded bottom portion 79with a diameter and shape for anchoring the threaded shank portion 44 ofan associated one of the mounting studs 40, 41, as well as anon-threaded top portion 80 with a predetermined diameter that isgreater than the diameter of the bottom portion 79, and is defined by anassociated, precisely shaped sidewall 81 which closely receives thereinthe non-threaded collar portion 45 of an associated one of the mountingstuds 40, 41 to accurately and securely locate and retain theretractable stock guide assembly 1 on the die member 2, without the needfor separate locating dowels, keys, or the like. More specifically, thethreaded bottom portion 79 of each mounting aperture 75, 76, is drilledand tapped to tightly hold the mounting studs 40, 41 and associatedguide rail 3 and guide cap 18 in place on die member 2, whereas thenon-threaded top portion 8 of each mounting aperture 75, 76 is drilledand reamed to accurately locate and support the mounting studs 40, 41,and associated guide rail 3 and guide cap 18 on die member 2.

In one example of the present invention, a pair of retractable stockguides 1 can be mounted on an associated die member 2 in the followingfashion. With reference to FIGS. 27-38, two pairs of mounting apertures75, 76 are formed in the mounting face 77 of die member 2 in the mannerdescribed above, locating the same along the opposite side edges 10 ofthe stock strip 12, as shown in FIG. 27. A stationary guide rail 3 ispositioned over each pair of mounting apertures 75, 76, with the throughapertures 12, 13 in the guide rails centered over the threaded bottomportions 79 of the mounting apertures 75, 76. Next, a retractable guidecap 18 is positioned abuttingly on top of each stationary guide rail 3,with the through apertures 30, 31 generally centered over the throughapertures 12, 13 in the associated guide rail 3. The stacked assembly ofretractable guide cap 18 directly on stationary guide rail 3 provides avery compact and low profile that is highly beneficial in most metalforming die constructions. As illustrated in FIGS. 28-33, bothretractable guide caps 18 have the smaller or first arcuate portions 30of ovate sidewall 29 centered over the mounting apertures 75, 76 in themounting face 77 of die member 2, which corresponds to the retractedload/unload condition. A pair of mounting studs 41, 42 have the threadedshank portions 44 thereof inserted through the apertures 25, 26 ofretractable guide cap 18 and the apertures 12, 13 of stationary guiderail 3, and into the mounting apertures 75, 76 in the mounting face 77of die member 2. Mounting studs 40, 41 are then loosely tightened, so asto permit the lateral shifting of retractable guide caps 18 between theretracted load/unload condition and the extended run condition.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the use of C-rings71 with a selected stationary guide rail 3, a retractable guide cap 18,and two mounting studs 40, 41 greatly expedites the mounting and removalof a retractable stock guide 1 on die member 2. More specifically, witha stationary guide rail 3 and retractable guide cap 18 in the stackedand aligned relationship discussed above, a pair of mounting studs areinserted through the two sets of through holes 25 and 12 and 26 and 13in guide cap 18 and guide rail 3, respectively, until the threaded shankportions 44 of mounting studs 40, 41 protrude outwardly from theassembly. A pair of C-shaped retainer rings 71 are then shaped into theretainer grooves 70 in mounting studs 40, 41, which keeps the stationaryguide rail 3, the retractable guide cap 18, and the two mounting studs40, 41 held loosely together as a unit prior to installation on anassociated die member 2. The loosely assembled retractable stock guide 1can then be placed as a unit over a pair of mounting holes 75, 76 formedin the mounting surface 77 of die member 2 in the fashion discussedabove. The threaded shank portions 44 of the two mounting studs 40, 41are then loosely tightened in the mounting holes 75, 76 of die member 3,thereby automatically locating all components of the retractable stockguide 1 on die member 2, in a ready condition to load a stock strip 11therein.

With both retractable guide caps 18 in the retracted load/unloadcondition, a stock strip 11 is positioned between the two retractablestock guides 1, with the side edges 10 of the stock strip 11 beingclosely positioned adjacent to the guide portions 9 of the stationaryguide rails 3 for sliding contact therebetween. Next, both pairs ofmounting studs 40, 41 are tightened in the die member 2, therebyengaging the tapered head portions 43 of the mounting studs 40, 41against the ovate sidewalls 29 of the two through apertures 25, 26 inboth retractable guide caps 18, thereby shifting both retractable guidecaps 18 laterally inwardly to the extended run condition, as shown inFIGS. 34-36, thereby positively capturing the stock strip 11 between thetwo retractable stock guides 1 and the mounting face 77 of the diemember 2, and precisely guiding the stock strip 11 longitudinally alonga straight line through the metal forming die 49.

The stock strip 11 can be removed from the stock guide assembly 1 bysimply loosening each of the mounting studs 40, 41 an amount sufficientto permit the guide caps 18 to be manually or otherwise shifted from theextended run condition to the retracted load/unload condition. Themounting studs 40, 41 can be loosened individually, so as to retain thestock guides 1 in the intended location on die member 2. Preferably, themounting studs 40, 41 are not completely removed from the die member,unless they are to be replaced, so as to keep the various parts of thestock guides together as an assembly on the mounting face 77 of diemember 2.

The reference numeral 1 a (FIGS. 39-57) generally designates anotherembodiment of the present invention, which uses a pair of guide rollers90 to guide the stock strip 11 through the metal forming die 49, insteadof the stationary guide rails 3 that is used in retractable stock guide1. Since retractable stock guide 1 a is similar to the previouslydescribed retractable stock guide 1, similar parts appearing in FIGS.1-38 and 39-57 respectively, are represented by the same, correspondingreference numerals, except for the suffix “a” in the numerals of thelatter. In the illustrated retractable stock guide 1 a (FIGS. 39-45),guide rollers 90 and 91 have a substantially identical shape, size andconstruction, and include a generally circular plan configuration withan inner face 92 shaped for operable support on the die member 2, and anouter face 93 disposed generally parallel with and opposite to the innerface 92. Each guide roller 90, 91 also has a generally annularly shapedinner bearing race 94, an annularly shaped outer bearing race 95 and aplurality of rolling bearing elements 96 captured between inner andouter bearing races 94, 95, which facilitate smooth, anti-frictionalrotation of outer bearing race 93 relative to inner bearing race 94, andvice versa. The inner bearing race 94 has an innermost mounting sidewall97 with a circular plan shape and an associated predetermined diameter,and the outer bearing race 95 has an outermost stock guiding surface orsidewall 98 with a circular plan shape and an associated predetermineddiameter, and is configured to rollingly contact an adjacent side edge10 of the stock strip 11 to precisely guide the same through anassociated metal forming die 49. The guide cap 18 a and mounting studs48, 41 a associated with the illustrated retractable stock guide 1 a aresubstantially identical to, and interchangeable with the guide cap 18and mounting studs 40, 41, associated with retractable stock guide 1(FIGS. 1-38), as described in detail above, such that furtherdescription of the same is unnecessary. The interface between mountingstuds 40 a and 41 a, and retractable guide cap 18 a of stock guide 1 ais substantially identical to that discussed above relative to stockguides 1. More specifically, with retractable stock guide 1 a, thethreaded shank portions 44 a of mounting studs 40 a, 41 a are insertedthrough the through apertures 25 a, 26 a in guide cap 18 a, and theinner mounting sidewalls 97 of guide rollers 90, 91, and then threadedlyanchored into the die member 2. The tightening of the mounting studs 40a, 41 a in die member 2 engages the tapered sidewall portions 43 a ofthe two mounting studs 40 a, 41 a against the ovate sidewalls 29 a ofthe first and second through apertures 24 a, 25 a in guide cap 18 a, andshifts the guide cap 18 a laterally inwardly to the extended runcondition, as shown in FIGS. 40, 41 and 42, to positively capture atleast a portion of the stock strip 11 between the retractable stockguide 1 a and the die member 2, and precisely guide the stock strip 11longitudinally along a straight line through an associated metal formingdie 49. Loosening of the first and second mounting studs 40 a, 41 a inthe die member 2 facilitates laterally outward shifting of the guide cap18 a to the retracted load/unload condition, as shown in FIGS. 43, 44and 45 to permit at least a portion of the stock strip 11 a to bereadily loaded into and/or removed from the retractable stock guide 1 a.

With reference to FIGS. 50-57, the illustrated guide rollers 90, 91 aresubstantially identical and comprise ball bearings having a generallyconventional construction. Preferably, the thickness of the guiderollers 90, 91, as measured between the inner and outer faces 92, 93thereof, is somewhat similar to the thickness of the stationary guiderail 3 associated with retractable stock guide 1. Furthermore, theillustrated retractable stock guide 1 a includes four substantiallyidentical shims 102, each of which has an annular plan configuration,and a relatively thin thickness. In the illustrated example, the insidediameter of each shim 102 is commensurate with or slightly larger thaneach inside diameter of the inner mounting sidewall 97 of roller guides90, 91, and the outside diameter of each shim 102 is slightly greaterthan the larger or second arcuate portion 31 a of the ovate sidewall 29a of the through apertures 25 a, 26 a in guide cap 18 a. Morespecifically, a pair of shims 102 are mounted on each mounting stud 40a, 41 a over the inner and outer faces 92, 93 of the guide rollers 90,91, as best shown in FIG. 39. Shims 102 protect against entry of debrisinto the interior areas of roller guides 90, 91 and otherwise facilitatesmooth and accurate rotation of roller guides 90, 91 against the sideedges 10 of stock strip 11, as well as smooth lateral shifting of guidecap 18 a between the extended run condition and the retractedload/unload condition.

In one example of the present invention, a pair of retractable stockguides 1 a can be mounted on an associated die member 2 in a fashionsimilar to that described above relative to retractable stock guide 1.More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 27-38, two pairs of mountingapertures 75, 76 are formed in the mounting face 77 of die member 2 inthe manner described above, locating the same along the opposite sideedges 10 of the stock strip 12. A pair of shims 102 are positioned overeach pair of mounting apertures 75, 76. A pair of guide rollers 90, 91are positioned over the shims 102 on the mounting face 77 of die member2 with the inner faces 92 thereof abutting the outer faces of the shims102. A second pair of shims 102 is then positioned on the outer faces 93of guide rollers 90, 91. Each stack of shims 102 and guide rollers 90,91 are vertically aligned so that their centers are concentric with theassociated mounting apertures 75, 76, and the mounting face 77 of diemember 2. A retractable guide cap 18 a is positioned abuttingly on topof the uppermost shims 102 supported on the outer faces 93 of guiderollers 90, 91, with the through apertures 30 a, 31 a generally centeredover the inner mounting sidewalls 97 of guide rollers 90, 91. Thestacked assembly of retractable guide cap 18 a directly on the shims 102and guide rollers 90, 91 provides a very compact and low profile that ishighly beneficial in most metal forming die constructions. The pair ofmounting studs 41 a, 42 a have the threaded shank portions 44 a thereofinserted through the apertures 25 a, 26 a of retractable guide cap 18 aand the inner mounting sidewalls 97 of guide rollers 90, 91 as well asthrough the centers of shims 102, and then into the mounting apertures75, 76 in the mounting face 77 of die member 2. Mounting studs 40 a, 41a are then loosely tightened, so as to permit the lateral shifting ofthe retractable guide caps 18 a between the retracted load/unloadcondition.

In a manner similar to retractable stock guide 1 described above, aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the use of C-rings 71with two guide rollers 90, 91, four shims 102, a retractable guide cap18 a and two mounting studs 40 a, 41 a, greatly expedites the mountingand removal of retractable stock guide 1 a on die member 2. Morespecifically, with the guide roller 90, 91, shims 102 and retractableguide cap 18 a in the stacked and aligned relationship discussed above,a pair of mounting studs 40 a, 41 a are inserted through the throughholes 25 a, 26 a in guide cap 18 a, the inner mounting sidewalls 97 ofguide rollers 90, 91 and the centers of shims 102, until the threadedshank portions 44 a of mounting studs 40 a, 41 a protrude outwardly fromthe assembly. A pair of C-shaped retainer rings 71 a are then snappedinto the retainer grooves 70 a in the mounting studs 40 a, 41 a, whichkeeps the two guide rollers 90, 91, the four shims 102, the retractableguide cap 18 a, and the two mounting studs 40 a, 41 a, held looselytogether as a unit prior to installation on an associated die member 2,as best shown in FIGS. 56 and 57. The loosely assembled retractablestock guide 1 a can then be placed as a unit over a pair of mountingholes 75, 76, formed in the mounting surface 77 of die member 2 in thefashion discussed above. The threaded shank portions 44 a of the twomounting studs 40 a, 41 a are then loosely tightened in the mountingholes 75, 76 of die member 3, thereby automatically locating allcomponents of the retractable stock guide 1 a on die member 2, in aready condition to load a stock strip 11 therein.

With both retractable guide caps 18 a in the retracted load/unloadcondition, a stock strip 11 is positioned between the two retractablestock guides 1 a, with the side edges 10 of the stock strip 11 beingclosely positioned adjacent to the stock guiding sidewalls 98 of theguide rollers 90, 91 for rolling contact therebetween. Next, both pairsof mounting studs 40 a, 41 a are tightened in the die member 2, therebyengaging the tapered head portions 43 a of the mounting studs 40 a, 41 aagainst the ovate sidewalls 29 a of the two through apertures 25 a, 26 ain both retractable guide caps 18 a, thereby shifting both retractableguide caps 18 a laterally inwardly to the extended run condition, asshown in FIGS. 46 and 47, thereby positively capturing the stock strip11 between the two retractable stock guides 1 a and the mounting face 77of the die member 2, and precisely guiding the stock strip 11longitudinally along a straight line through the metal forming die 49.The rolling action of guide rollers 90, 91 provides very low frictionsupport for the stock strip 11 as well as improved guidance.

As will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art ofmetal forming dies, both retractable stock guides 1 and 1 a can beprovided in a wide variety of different sizes and configurations toaccommodate the needs of die makers for a particular application. Forexample, FIGS. 58-61 illustrate a variety of differently sized andconfigured retractable stock guides 1 a, each of which has at least twoguide rollers 90, 91, one guide cap 18 a and at least two mounting studs40 a, 41 a. For example, the retractable stock guide 1 a shown in FIG.58 has a rather short guide cap 18 a, with one pair of guide rollers 90a, 91 a supported by two mounting studs 40 a, 41 a adjacent oppositeends of guide cap 18 a. The retractable stock guide 1 a shown in FIG. 59has a longer guide cap 18 a, with three pairs of guide rollers 90 a, 91a supported by three pairs of mounting studs 40 a, 41 a, spaced alongthe length of guide cap 18 a. The retractable stock guide 1 aillustrated in FIG. 60 has a very long guide cap 18, with three pairs ofguide rollers 90 a, 91 a and three pairs of mounting studs 40 a, 41 a,which are spaced longitudinally along the length of guide cap 18 a,further apart than those shown in FIG. 59. Finally, the retractablestock guide 1 a shown in FIG. 61 has a very long guide cap 18, with onlytwo guide rollers 90 a, 91 a and two associated mounting studs 40 a, 41a, disposed adjacent the opposite ends of guide cap 18 a. Similarvariations of the retractable stock guide 1 shown in FIGS. 1-38 are alsopossible. Retractable stock guides 1 and 1 a can be provided in a widevariety of different lengths and configurations, so as to accommodateuse in different metal forming die applications.

The reference numeral 1 b (FIGS. 62-65) generally designates yet anotherembodiment of the present invention, having a coil spring return for theguide cap. Since retractable stock guide 1 b is similar to thepreviously described stock guides 1 and 1 a, similar parts appearing inFIGS. 62-65 and FIGS. 1-61, respectively, are represented by the same,corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “b” in thenumerals of the latter. In the retractable stock guide 1 b shown inFIGS. 62-65, a pair of coil springs 110 are mounted in an associatedguide cap 18 b adjacent the through apertures 25 b and 26 b at theleading and trailing end portions 21 b, 22 b, and serve to resilientlybias the associated guide cap 18 a from the extended run condition tothe retracted load/unload condition, so as to facilitate quick and easyloading of the stock strip 11 between a pair of retractable stock guides1 b. More specifically, in the illustrated example, torsion springs orcoil springs 110 have a substantially identical shape and size, andinclude a cylindrically coiled center portion 112 with straight end legs113 and 114 extending radially outwardly from the center portion 112 ofcoil spring 110 in different directions. Each through aperture 25 b, 26b in guide cap 18 b is cut or otherwise formed inwardly with acylindrical socket portion 115 in which the center portion 112 of coilspring 110 is received and retained, and one slot 116 which extendscontinuously and generally tangentially from socket portion 115, inwhich the end arm 114 of coil spring 110 is closely received andretained. Furthermore, in each of through apertures 25 b, 26 b of guidecap 18 b, that portion of the ovate sidewall 29 b associated with thesecond arcuate portion 31 b is extended arcuately away from the stockguiding sidewall 98 b of guide rollers 90 b, 91 b, and includes aradially outwardly protruding notch 120 defined by a straight edge 121which extends to the socket 115. The opposite end leg 113 of coil spring110 abuts against the outside surface of the non-threaded collar portion45 b of mounting studs 40 b, 41 b, as best shown in FIGS. 64 and 65.Like retractable stock guides 1 and 1 a, when mounting studs 40 b, 41 bare tightened in the associated die member 2, the tapered head sidewalls43 b of the mounting studs 40 b, 41 b engage against the ovate sidewalls29 b of the first and second through apertures 30 b, 31 b in guide cap18 b, and shift the guide cap 18 b laterally inwardly to the extendedrun condition, which contemporaneously shifts each coil spring leg 113in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIGS. 64 and 65, so as to tensioneach coil springs 110, and also positively capture the stock strip 11between the pair of the stock guides 1 b and the mounting surface 77 ofthe associated die member 2, so as to precisely guide the stock strip 11longitudinally along a straight line through the metal forming die 49.When mounting studs 40 b, 41 b are loosened, the tapered sidewalls 43 bof mounting studs 40 b, 41 b disengage the ovate sidewalls 29 b of guidecap 18 b, and the resilient forces generated in tensed coil springs 110laterally shifts the guide cap 18 b outwardly to the retractedload/unload condition to permit the stock strip 11 to be readily loadedinto and/or removed from inbetween the pair of stock guides 1 b. Hence,the torsion springs 110 which are mounted in the guide cap 18 b,automatically shift the guide cap 18 b back to the retracted load/unloadcondition once the mounting studs 40 b, 41 b are loosened.

The reference numeral 1 c (FIGS. 66-71) generally designate anotherembodiment of the present invention, having a leaf spring return for theguide cap. Since retractable stock guide 1 c is similar to thepreviously described retractable stock guides 1, 1 a, and particularly 1b, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-65 and FIGS. 66-71, respectivelyare represented by the same, corresponding reference numerals, exceptfor the suffix “c” in the numerals of the latter. In the retractablestock guide 1 c shown in FIGS. 66-71, a pair of flat springs or leafsprings 125 are mounted in the associated guide cap 18 c adjacent thethrough apertures 25 c and 26 c at the leading and trailing end portions21 c, 22 c, and serve to resiliently bias the associated guide cap 18 cfrom the extended run condition to the retracted load/unload condition,so as to facilitate quick and easy loading and/or unloading of the stockstrip 11 between a pair of retractable stock guides 1 c. Morespecifically, in the illustrated example, flat, straight relatively thinleaf springs 125 have a substantially identical rectangular plan shapeand size, and include opposite end portions 126 and 127. Each throughaperture 25 c, 26 c in guide cap 18 c is cut or otherwise formedinwardly with a linear slot 128 in which the end portion 127 of leafspring 125 is pressed, so as to retain the same securely in a stationaryfashion relative to guide cap 18 c. Furthermore, each through aperture25 c, 26 c of guide cap 18 c, at that portion of the ovate sidewall 29 cassociated with the second arcuate portion 31 c is extended arcuatelyaway from the stock guiding sidewall 98 c of guide rollers 90 c, 91 c,and includes the radially outwardly protruding notch 129, which is inpart defined by a curved edge 130 that extends back into the open end ofslot 128. The opposite end portion 126 of each leaf spring 125 abutsagainst the outside surface of the non-threaded collar portion 45 c ofmounting studs 40 c, 41 c, as best shown in FIGS. 68-71. Likeretractable stock guides 1, 1 a and 1 b, when mounting studs 40 c, 41 care tightened in the associated die member 2, the tapered head sidewalls43 c of the mounting studs 40 c, 41 c engage against the ovate sidewalls29 c of the first and second through apertures 30 c, 31 c in guide cap18 c, and shift the guide cap 18 c laterally inwardly to the extendedrun condition, which contemporaneously shifts the free end 126 of eachcoil spring 127 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 68 and 70,so as to tension each leaf spring 125, and also positively capture thestock strip 11 between a pair of the stock guides 1 c and the associateddie member 2, so as to precisely guide the stock strip 11 longitudinallyalong a straight line through the metal forming die 49. When mountingstuds 40 c, 41 c are loosened, the tapered sidewalls 43 c of mountingstuds 40 c, 41 c disengage the ovate sidewalls 29 c of guide cap 18 c,and the resilient forces generated in tensed leaf springs 125 laterallyshift the guide cap 18 c inwardly to the retracted load/unload conditionto permit the stock strip 11 to be readily loaded into and removed frominbetween the pair of stock guides 1 c. Hence, the leaf springs 125,which are mounted in the guide cap 18 c, automatically shift the guidecap 18 c back to the retracted load/unload condition, once the mountingstuds 40 c, 41 c are loosened.

Each of the retractable stock guides 1, 1 a, 1 b and 1 c incorporates aunique design which positively drives or shifts the associated guide capinto the extended run condition when the associated mounting studs aretightened in the die member or die tool, automatically ensuring that theguide cap is in the proper run condition. The retractable guide capprovides easy removal of a stock strip from the die member or anassociated die tool. The mounting studs do not have to be removed fromthe die member or die tool to shift the guide cap between the extendedrun condition and the retracted load/unload condition. The retractablestock guides 1, 1 a, 1 b and 1 c are economical to manufacture, sincethe guide caps can be laser or water jet cut from a plate or bar ofrigid material, and the mounting studs have a one-piece constructionthat can be formed in a single set up. The guide cap and mounting studportions of the retractable stock guides 1, 1 a, 1 b and 1 c can be usedwith either a solid stationary guide rail, or a pair of roller guides,which provide low friction rolling action, as well as excellent guidanceand support for the stock strip. The use of C-rings on the mountingstuds keeps the various parts of the retractable stock guide assemblytogether when not mounted in an associated die member, so that there areno loose parts to get lost or misplaced. The construction of themounting studs permits the retractable stock guides to be preciselylocated in the die tool or die member with no additional dowels or keysbeing required. Machining of the die member 4 and mounting of theretractable stock guides 1, 1 a, 1 b and 1 c is simple, and requires nospecial tooling. Retractable stock guides 1, 1 a, 1 b and 1 c are easyto remove and replace from the associated die tool or die member whennecessary, and can be provided in multiple sizes and lengths forincreased versatility.

In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that modifications may be made to the inventionwithout departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modificationsare to be considered as included in the following claims, unless theseclaims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The invention claimed is:
 1. In a metal forming die having at least twomutually converging and diverging die members between which an elongatestock strip is shifted longitudinally to form parts from the stockstrip, the improvement of a retractable stock guide assembly forprecisely guiding the stock strip longitudinally along a straight linethrough said die, comprising: first and second stock guides detachablymounted on a first one of said die members in a laterally spaced apart,mutually parallel and oppositely facing relationship for guiding thestock strip therebetween, and each including: a rigid, strap-shaped,stationary guide rail, having: an inner face operably supported on saidone die member; an outer face disposed generally parallel with andopposite said inner face; a leading end portion, and a trailing endportion disposed generally opposite said leading end portion of saidguide rail and downstream thereof in the direction of stock striptravel; a side edge disposed between said inner and outer faces andhaving a laterally inward guide portion thereof oriented generallyperpendicular with said inner and outer faces and configured toslidingly contact an adjacent side edge of the stock strip to preciselyguide the same through said die; first and second through aperturesextending through said inner and outer faces of said guide rail adjacentsaid leading and trailing end portions thereof respectively, and eachhaving a generally circular plan shape with a predetermined diameter; arigid, strap-shaped, retractable guide cap, having: an inner facegenerally overlying and operably supported by said guide rail; an outerface disposed generally parallel with and opposite said inner face ofsaid guide cap; a leading end portion, and a trailing end portiondisposed generally opposite said leading end portion of said guide capand downstream thereof in the direction of stock strip travel; a sideedge disposed between said inner and outer faces of said guide cap andhaving a laterally inward cap portion which protrudes laterally inwardlyover said inward guide portion of said side edge of said guide rail inan extended run condition to slidingly capture the stock strip betweensaid first and second stock guides and said one die member, and isgenerally aligned with said inward guide portion of said side edge ofsaid guide rail in a retracted load/unload condition to permit the stockstrip to be readily loaded into and removed from inbetween said firstand second stock guides; first and second through apertures extendingthrough said inner and outer faces of said guide cap adjacent saidleading and trailing end portions thereof respectively, and each havinga laterally oriented, generally ovate plan shape with first and secondspaced apart axes of symmetry, and being defined by a generally ovatesidewall having a first arcuate portion which is disposed toward saidlaterally inward cap portion of said side edge, is centered generallyabout said first axis of symmetry and has a diameter generallycommensurate with said predetermined diameter of the associated one ofsaid first and second through apertures in said guide rail, and a secondarcuate portion which is disposed away from said laterally inward capportion of said side edge, is centered generally about said second axisof symmetry, generally opposite said first arcuate portion of said ovatesidewall, and has a diameter greater than said first arcuate portion ofsaid ovate sidewall; first and second mounting studs, each having: anenlarged head portion at one end thereof with a tapered outer sidewallhaving an outside diameter with at a least a portion thereof that isgenerally commensurate with said second arcuate portion of said ovatesidewall of the associated one of said first and second through holes insaid guide cap, and is greater than the diameter of said first arcuateportion of said ovate sidewall of the associated one of said first andsecond through apertures in said guide cap; a threaded shank portion atthe other end thereof, generally opposite said enlarged head portion,and shaped for insertion through an associated one of said first andsecond through apertures in said guide cap, an associated one of saidfirst and second through apertures in said guide rail, and beingthreadedly anchored in said one die member; and a non-threaded collarportion disposed axially between said enlarged head portion and saidthreaded shank portion and having a cylindrical shape with an outsidediameter substantially commensurate with the associated one of saidfirst and second through holes in said guide rail, and said firstarcuate portion of said ovate sidewall of the associated one of saidfirst and second through holes in said guide cap, whereby tightening ofsaid first and second mounting studs in said first die member engagessaid tapered head portions of said first and second mounting studsagainst said ovate sidewalls of said first and second through aperturesin said guide cap and shifts said guide cap laterally inwardly to saidextended run condition to positively capture the stock strip betweensaid first and second stock guides and said first die member andprecisely guide the stock strip longitudinally along a straight linethrough said die, and loosening of said first and second mounting studsin said first die member facilitates laterally outward shifting of saidguide caps to said retracted load/unload condition to permit the stockstrip to be readily loaded into and removed from inbetween said firstand second stock guides.
 2. A metal forming die as set forth in claim 1,wherein: said non-threaded collar portion of at least one of said firstand second mounting studs includes a circumferentially extendingretainer groove; and including at least one retainer ring detachablyreceived and retained in said retainer groove in said one mounting studand having an outside diameter greater than the predetermined diameterof the associated one of said first and second through apertures in saidguide rail to keep said guide rail, said guide cap and said one mountingstud assembled together as a unit when not mounted on an associated diemember.
 3. A metal forming die as set forth in claim 2, wherein: saidretainer ring comprises a split C-ring having a relaxed condition withan associated first outside diameter, and a tensed condition with anassociated second outside diameter that is smaller than said firstoutside diameter associated with said relaxed condition, whereby whensaid one mounting stud is tightened in said one die member, said C-ringis constricted fully into said retainer groove to permit complete andsecure tightening of said one mounting stud in said one die member, andwhen said one mounting stud is loosened in said one die member, saidC-ring automatically biases to said relaxed condition to keep said guiderail, said guide cap and said one mounting stud assembled together as aunit.
 4. A metal forming die as set forth in claim 3, wherein: saidthreaded shank portions of said first and second mounting studs have apredetermined length which permits loosening of said first and secondmounting studs in said one die member a predetermined amount sufficientto shift said guide cap between said extended run condition and saidretracted load/unload condition, yet remain threadedly retained in saidone die member.
 5. A metal forming die as set forth in claim 4, wherein:said first die member includes two pairs of first and second mountingapertures in which at least portions of said first and second mountingstuds of said first and second stock guides are received to securely,yet detachably mount said retractable stock guide assembly on said firstdie member; each of said mounting apertures includes: a threaded bottomportion with a predetermined diameter and shape for anchoring saidthreaded shank portion of an associated one of said mounting studstherein; and a non-threaded top portion with a predetermined diameterthat is greater than said predetermined diameter of said threaded bottomportion, and an associated precisely shaped side wall closely receivingsaid non-threaded collar portion of the associated one of said mountingstuds therein to accurately and securely locate said retractable stockguide assembly on said one die member without separate locating dowelsor keys.
 6. A metal forming die as set forth in claim 5, including: aspring member having a first portion thereof anchored in said guide capat a location adjacent one of said first and second through apertures,and a second portion thereof engaging an associated one of said mountingstuds received in said one through aperture, and resiliently urging saidguide cap toward said retracted load/unload condition.
 7. A metalforming die as set forth in claim 6, wherein: said side edge of at leastone of said guide rails has an arcuate portion disposed adjacent saidleading end portion thereof, upstream of said guide portion of saidsidewall in the direction of stock strip travel, that is shaped toaccurately guide the stock strip between said first and second stockguides.
 8. A metal forming die as set forth in claim 7, wherein: saidinner face of said guide rail has a generally flat shape.
 9. A metalforming die as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said threaded shankportions of said first and second mounting studs have a predeterminedlength which permits loosening of said first and second mounting studsin said one die member a predetermined amount sufficient to shift saidguide cap between said extended run condition and said retractedload/unload condition, yet remain threadedly retained in said one diemember.
 10. A metal forming die as set forth in claim 1, wherein: saidfirst die member includes two pairs of first and second mountingapertures in which at least portions of said first and second mountingstuds of said first and second stock guides are received to securely,yet detachably mount said retractable stock guide assembly on said firstdie member; each of said mounting apertures includes: a threaded bottomportion with a predetermined diameter and shape for anchoring saidthreaded shank portion of an associated one of said mounting studstherein; and a non-threaded top portion with a predetermined diameterthat is greater than said predetermined diameter of said threaded bottomportion, and an associated precisely shaped side wall closely receivingsaid non-threaded collar portion of the associated one of said mountingstuds therein to accurately and securely locate said retractable stockguide assembly on said one die member without separate locating dowelsor keys.
 11. A metal forming die as set forth in claim 1, including: aspring member having a first portion thereof anchored in said guide capat a location adjacent one of said first and second through apertures,and a second portion thereof engaging an associated one of said mountingstuds received in said one through aperture, and resiliently urging saidguide cap toward said retracted load/unload condition.
 12. A metalforming die as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said side edge of at leastone of said guide rails has an arcuate portion disposed adjacent saidleading end portion thereof, upstream of said guide portion of saidsidewall in the direction of stock strip travel, that is shaped toaccurately guide the stock strip between said first and second stockguides.
 13. In a metal forming die having at least two mutuallyconverging and diverging die members between which an elongate stockstrip is shifted longitudinally to form parts from the stock strip, theimprovement of a retractable stock guide assembly for precisely guidingthe stock strip longitudinally along a straight line through said die,comprising: first and second stock guides detachably mounted on a firstone of said die members in a laterally spaced apart, mutually paralleland oppositely facing relationship for guiding the stock striptherebetween, and at least said first stock guide including: a rigid,strap-shaped, stationary guide rail, having: an inner face operablysupported on said one die member; an outer face disposed generallyparallel with and opposite said inner face; a leading end portion, and atrailing end portion disposed generally opposite said leading endportion of said guide rail and downstream thereof in the direction ofstock strip travel; a side edge disposed between said inner and outerfaces and having a laterally inward guide portion thereof orientedgenerally perpendicular with said inner and outer faces and configuredto slidingly contact an adjacent side edge of the stock strip toprecisely guide the same through said die; first and second throughapertures extending through said inner and outer faces of said guiderail adjacent said leading and trailing end portions thereofrespectively, and each having a generally circular plan shape with apredetermined diameter; a rigid, strap-shaped, retractable guide cap,having: an inner face generally overlying and operably supported by saidguide rail; an outer face disposed generally parallel with and oppositesaid inner face of said guide cap; a leading end portion, and a trailingend portion disposed generally opposite said leading end portion of saidguide cap and downstream thereof in the direction of stock strip travel;a side edge disposed between said inner and outer faces of said guidecap and having a laterally inward cap portion which protrudes laterallyinwardly over said inward guide portion of said side edge of said guiderail in an extended run condition to slidingly capture the stock stripbetween said first and second stock guides and said one die member, andis generally aligned with said inward guide portion of said side edge ofsaid guide rail in a retracted load/unload condition to permit the stockstrip to be readily loaded into and removed from inbetween said firstand second stock guides; first and second through apertures extendingthrough said inner and outer faces of said guide cap adjacent saidleading and trailing end portions thereof respectively, and each havinga laterally oriented, generally ovate plan shape with first and secondspaced apart axes of symmetry, and being defined by a generally ovatesidewall having a first arcuate portion which is disposed toward saidlaterally inward cap portion of said side edge, is centered generallyabout said first axis of symmetry and has a diameter generallycommensurate with said predetermined diameter of the associated one ofsaid first and second through apertures in said guide rail, and a secondarcuate portion which is disposed away from said laterally inward capportion of said sidewall, is centered generally about said second axisof symmetry, generally opposite said first arcuate portion, and has adiameter greater than said first arcuate portion of said ovate sidewall;first and second mounting studs, each having: an enlarged head portionat one end thereof with a tapered outer sidewall having an outsidediameter with at a least a portion thereof that is generallycommensurate with said second arcuate portion of said ovate sidewall ofthe associated one of said first and second through holes in said guidecap, and is greater than the diameter of said first arcuate portion ofsaid sidewall of the associated one of said first and second throughapertures in said guide cap; a threaded shank portion at the other endthereof, generally opposite said enlarged head portion, and shaped forinsertion through an associated one of said first and second throughapertures in said guide cap, an associated one of said first and secondthrough apertures in said guide rail, and being threadedly anchored insaid one die member; and a non-threaded collar portion disposed axiallybetween said enlarged head portion and said threaded shank portion andhaving a cylindrical shape with an outside diameter substantiallycommensurate with the associated one of said first and second throughholes in said guide rail, and said first arcuate portion of said ovatesidewall of the associated one of said first and second through holes insaid guide cap, whereby tightening of said first and second mountingstuds in said first die member engages said tapered head portions ofsaid first and second mounting studs against said ovate sidewalls ofsaid first and second through apertures in said guide cap and shiftssaid guide cap laterally inwardly to said extended run condition topositively capture the stock strip between said first and second stockguides and said first die member and precisely guide the stock striplongitudinally along a straight line through said die, and loosening ofsaid first and second mounting studs in said first die memberfacilitates laterally outward shifting of said guide cap to saidretracted load/unload condition to permit the stock strip to be readilyloaded into and removed from inbetween said first and second stockguides.
 14. A metal forming die as set forth in claim 13, wherein: saidnon-threaded collar portion of at least one of said first and secondmounting studs includes a circumferentially extending retainer groove;and including at least one retainer ring detachably received andretained in said retainer groove in said one mounting stud and having anoutside diameter greater than the predetermined diameter of theassociated one of said first and second through apertures in said guiderail to keep said guide rail, said guide cap and said one mounting studassembled together as a unit when not mounted on an associated diemember.
 15. A metal forming die as set forth in claim 14, wherein: saidretainer ring comprises a split C-ring having a relaxed condition withan associated first outside diameter, and a tensed condition with anassociated second outside diameter that is smaller than said firstoutside diameter associated with said relaxed condition, whereby whensaid one mounting stud is tightened in said one die member, said C-ringis constricted fully into said retainer groove to permit complete andsecure tightening of said one mounting stud in said one die member, andwhen said one mounting stud is loosened in said one die member, saidC-ring automatically biases to said relaxed condition to keep said guiderail, said guide cap and said one mounting stud assembled together as aunit.
 16. A metal forming die as set forth in claim 13, wherein: saidthreaded shank portions of said first and second mounting studs have apredetermined length which permits loosening of said first and secondmounting studs in said one die member a predetermined amount sufficientto shift said guide cap between said extended run condition and saidretracted load/unload condition, yet remain threadedly retained in saidone die member.
 17. A retractable stock guide assembly for a metalforming die having at least two mutually converging and diverging diemembers between which an elongate stock strip is shifted longitudinallyto form parts from the stock strip, comprising: at least one stock guideconfigured for detachably mounting on a first one of the die members andincluding: a rigid, strap-shaped, stationary guide rail, having: aninner face shaped for operable support on the one die member; an outerface disposed generally parallel with and opposite said inner face; aleading end portion, and a trailing end portion disposed generallyopposite said leading end portion of said guide rail and downstreamthereof in the direction of stock strip travel; a side edge disposedbetween said inner and outer faces and having a laterally inward guideportion thereof oriented generally perpendicular with said inner andouter faces and configured to slidingly contact an adjacent side edge ofthe stock strip to precisely guide the same through the die; first andsecond through apertures extending through said inner and outer faces ofsaid guide rail adjacent said leading and trailing end portions thereofrespectively, and each having a generally circular plan shape with apredetermined diameter; a rigid, strap-shaped, retractable guide cap,having: an inner face generally overlying and operably supported by saidouter face of said guide rail; an outer face disposed generally parallelwith and opposite said inner face of said guide cap; a leading endportion, and a trailing end portion disposed generally opposite saidleading end portion of said guide cap and downstream thereof in thedirection of stock strip travel; a side edge disposed between said innerand outer faces of said guide cap and having a laterally inward capportion which protrudes laterally inwardly over said inward guideportion of said side edge of said guide rail in an extended runcondition to slidingly capture at least a portion of the stock stripbetween said stock guide and the one die member, and is generallyaligned with said inward guide portion of said side edge of said guiderail in a retracted load/unload condition to permit at least a portionof the stock strip to be readily loaded into and removed from said stockguide; first and second through apertures extending through said innerand outer faces of said guide cap adjacent said leading and trailing endportions thereof respectively, and each having a laterally oriented,generally ovate plan shape with first and second spaced apart axes ofsymmetry, and being defined by a generally ovate sidewall having a firstarcuate portion which is disposed toward said laterally inward capportion of said side edge, is centered generally about said first axisof symmetry and has a diameter generally commensurate with saidpredetermined diameter of the associated one of said first and secondthrough apertures in said guide rail, and a second arcuate portion whichis disposed away from said laterally inward cap portion of said sideedge, is centered generally about said second axis of symmetry,generally opposite said first arcuate portion of said ovate sidewall,and has a diameter greater than said first arcuate portion of said ovatesidewall; first and second mounting studs, each having: an enlarged headportion at one end thereof with a tapered outer sidewall having anoutside diameter with at a least a portion thereof that is generallycommensurate with said second arcuate portion of said ovate sidewall ofthe associated one of said first and second through holes in said guidecap, and is greater than the diameter of said first arcuate portion ofsaid ovate sidewall of the associated one of said first and secondthrough apertures in said guide cap; a threaded shank portion at theother end thereof, generally opposite said enlarged head portion, andshaped for insertion through an associated one of said first and secondthrough apertures in said guide cap, an associated one of said first andsecond through apertures in said guide rail, and being threadedlyanchored in the one die member; and a non-threaded collar portiondisposed axially between said enlarged head portion and said threadedshank portion and having a cylindrical shape with an outside diametersubstantially commensurate with the associated one of said first andsecond through holes in said guide rail, and said first arcuate portionof said ovate sidewall of the associated one of said first and secondthrough holes in said guide cap, whereby tightening of said first andsecond mounting studs in the first die member engages said tapered headportions of said first and second mounting studs against said ovatesidewalls of said first and second through apertures in said guide capand shifts said guide cap laterally inwardly to said extended runcondition to positively capture at least a portion of the stock stripbetween said stock guide assembly and the first die member and preciselyguide the stock strip longitudinally along a straight line through thedie, and loosening of said first and second mounting studs in the firstdie member facilitates laterally outward shifting of said guide cap tosaid retracted load/unload condition to permit the stock strip to bereadily loaded into and removed from said stock guide.
 18. A retractablestock guide assembly as set forth in claim 17, wherein: saidnon-threaded collar portion of at least one of said first and secondmounting studs includes a circumferentially extending retainer groove;and including at least one retainer ring detachably received andretained in said retainer groove in said one mounting stud and having anoutside diameter greater than the predetermined diameter of theassociated one of said first and second through apertures in said guiderail to keep said guide rail, said guide cap and said one mounting studassembled together as a unit when not mounted on an associated diemember.
 19. A retractable stock guide assembly as set forth in claim 18,wherein: said retainer ring comprises a split C-ring having a relaxedcondition with an associated first outside diameter, and a tensedcondition with an associated second outside diameter that is smallerthan said first outside diameter associated with said relaxed condition,whereby when said one mounting stud is tightened in an associated diemember, said C-ring is constricted fully into said retainer groove topermit complete and secure tightening of said one mounting stud in theassociated die member, and when said one mounting stud is loosened inthe associated die member, said C-ring automatically biases to saidrelaxed condition to keep said guide rail, said guide cap and said onemounting stud assembled together as a unit.
 20. A retractable stockguide assembly as set forth in claim 19, wherein: said threaded shankportions of said first and second mounting studs have a predeterminedlength which permits loosening of said first and second mounting studsin the associated die member a predetermined amount sufficient to shiftsaid guide cap between said extended run condition and said retractedload/unload condition, yet remain threadedly retained in the associateddie member.